In this quick video I take you step by step into Svarga Dvijasana, or Bird of Paradise. Dvija means “twice born” and Svarga means “paradise.” The aim of this asana is to experience the depth of paradise by emulating the shape of a tropical flower, the Bird of Paradise. Birds also embody renewal, as they are essentially born twice, first as an egg, and second as a bird. How cool is that?!! Make sure you have warmed you body though a several Sun Salutations followed by some hip and hamstring opening stretches. Extended side angle (Utthita Parsvakonasana), yogi squat (malasana), seated bound ankle (baddha konasana), seated wide legged fold (upavista konasana), pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana), and seated forward fold (paschimottanasana) are all good options. Don't worry if you don't get it the first time... practice and all is coming!
I'm never going to practice dolphin unless someone makes me. So, here I am. This is merely a few moments of breathing together in only a few postures. Over time, we make our shoulders strong enough to find a forearm stand. Do this a few times a week and we'll see how far we can get!
One of the signature movements we do with the steelmace is the 360. It combines strength and proprioception with shoulder mobility to challenge your body awareness while stepping up your mace game.
Forearm Stand is known in Sanskrit as Pincha Mayurasana and one of my all time favorite postures - probably because it took me so long to build up the strength and courage to go for it! "Pincha" strengthens your shoulders, arms, and back, while also decompressing the spine. Challenging inversions...
