I use chairs quite a bit in my teaching.  They are a means to an end (as in pose).  Yesterday, was no exception.

A few months ago, my friend and mentor, Sundari, came to SLC to visit and attended a Yoga Hour class I was teaching.  One of the students and I had set a goal to work on handstand more often, so that pose was included in my plan for the class.

Since handstand was a new pose for the class, I was asking students to use the wall  - to do "L" pose at the wall - to experience being upside down without taking the legs up.  And, it had worked with moderate success.  As we worked, Sundari watched the 'moderate' success happening.  I can tell when someone is thinking, pondering, wanting to talk.  In the spirit of being a student (rather than in instructor mode), she was saying nothing.  Finally, I asked if she had thoughts (I am not too proud to check in for suggestions.).

"Have you ever tried this with chairs, rather than the wall?" she offered.  Chairs?  Yes, chairs.  Student in down dog, partner behind them holding a chair (with the seat facing the legs of student).  Once in down dog, partner moves chair in close to the legs.  Student (somewhat awkwardly, at first) steps feet onto chair seat, and straightens knees (all this while maintaining handstand torso, shoulders & arms).  Voila!  A pose that replicates one done at the wall, but without the slipping or lack of confidence (fear) issues involved.  (Make sure partner continues holding the chair throughout, and that the chair is on the mat - for maximum stability.) To come down, student (also awkwardly, at first) steps feet down from chair.  Exhilaration abounds!  (Hint:  if your chair seats are slippery, you can fold and lay an extra mat on the chair seat, covering the area on which the student will place their feet.)

Then, repeat and have student lift and extend one leg, then the other, into the air -- more exhilaration!

Yesterday's Yoga Hour was a foray into Pinchamayurasana.  Just one had tried the pose (though another had been doing headstand).  Everyone's down dog and dolphin poses looked strong, so we proceeded -   partnering and WITH THE CHAIR.  Result?  Exhilaration.  Also, comments like -- "I felt so much more confident than when using the wall", "fun", "powerful".  Looking around the room, everyone had a successful experience.  Some even took their partners to the wall and proceeded with the pose, taking legs overhead.  All in all, a good class.

Thank you, Sundari!  and, thank you, chairs!

Enjoy your Wednesday,