Block or no block in the half moon

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi,

We’ve been doing lots of half moon poses and revolved half moon poses at my class lately.
I used to do them with my hand to the floor. But my twist was not so good.
Then one day an instructor told me that I should use a block as that was “healthier”.
I did this and sure enough my twisting has greatly improved.
But now I begin to wonder. Should I start to head back down to the floor with my hand? Would this be better for me in the pose or should I keep up on the block?
Or does it really matter?
Thanks

#2

I change it up depending on my mood and the way my body is feeling. If I am in a vinyassa class and the flow has been particularly fast or I am feeling agile I will use no block or sometimes float my hand to incorporate some more core strength. If my body is tired or I want a more restorative practice that day I will use a block.

#3

The full expression of the pose obviously is hand on the floor. If your body mandates a block then the block is used until the body is ready to discard it. This is something that is seen in your posture and since I am not able to see you it is not appropriate for me to direct you specifically. That is for the teacher you have chosen - unless of course you have, over time, developed a sound inner guide and can discern such a thing on your own.

I will say that the alignment of the standing leg is far more relevant to the pose and your overall health in it AND if you, as the doer, are not able to move the body into or toward the plane of the pose then a block would be helpful doing so.

#4

Hi,
After about 8 months of yoga on a very regular basis I have seen much progress in what I am able to do. This has brought me lots of joy and flexibility.
Because of this I am maybe too conscious about how I am progressing.
I have good teachers who have helped me a great deal and I have come to trust them when they adjust my posture or explain something.
I become curious about things and so I just wonder if and when I can get into a pose better than before.
But… it will come when it is time.
So I will probably test this from time to time, but for now the block is my friend.

#5

Hand on a block, hand on the floor … as long as the posture is facilitating you knowing yourself and connecting you with your spirit the block/floor issue matters very little.

#6

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;82720]Hand on a block, hand on the floor … as long as the posture is facilitating you knowing yourself and connecting you with your spirit the block/floor issue matters very little.[/QUOTE]

I like this

Cheers

#7

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;82720]Hand on a block, hand on the floor … as long as the posture is facilitating you knowing yourself and connecting you with your spirit the block/floor issue matters very little.[/QUOTE]

Gotcha. Good words to remember as I practice any pose. Thanks.