how ‘peak pose’ could be holding you back

Yoga sequencing is often peak pose orientated

If you think of posture in ONLY visual shape (+ its most flexible representation) & have a mindset that to achieve that shape requires you protecting + preparing the physical body through warm-up / pre-postures, you’re missing out

There are 5 key rules that underpin every asana
Degree / range of flexibility has nothing to do it

When someone says full wheel pose, what do you visualise?
An image of a body in a specific fixed shape that you need to ‘prepare’ for first with other practices?

If so you’ve created conditions, obstacles & a projected outcome
You’ve corrupted the posture before you begin

Instead, understand posture as the processes (essence)
Know the mechanics, rules + logic of the physical body, work with the subtle/energy body, practice with curiosity

Over the past decade of study with an asana teacher who’s at the top of their game, peak pose & warm-up don’t exist

One morning session the first postures were handstand/headstand/pinch drop backs into full wheel

‘I Cant’ said half the group
Not because they couldn’t
Because they had a story they needed to first ‘prepare’ to achieve the image in the head + would be dangerous if they didn’t

The ones who said ‘OK’ weren’t any more supple
The difference was they removed the mindset

The outcome: probably the best backbends the ones who said OK ever practised

This video was the first time I practised eka pada rajakapotasana
No warm up or attachment to end shape
Applying my knowledge of backbends
Practising from the heart

A child doesnt think in peak terms
They don’t think they need to do something beforehand (until adults tell them to!) or have a fixed idea of shape. They just do it
Not for reward, for joy, for love

Regardless of age / physical conditions, the essence of a posture is always available. An exceptional teacher will support you through adaptation & invention

Elegance isn’t measured through range of flexibility

A body that’s free, understands what to do and has cooperation of mind, breath and heart is a joy to witness

Have you been told to practise or teach only through a peak pose model? Would love to know!