More yoga postures photos from Christmas 2005

I hope that you enjoy the photos of yoga postures being taught in the Iyengar style by well know yoga teacher Kevin Gardiner from New York.

Kevin breaks down a yoga postures or asanas and shows what aspects we should watch out for in the posture.



After showing what espects we should try to re-create in the yoga asana, the whole class then works at the aspects which is correct for their body.



Kevin then checks how each person is getting on in the yoga posture and makes adjustments when necessary. If someone is working fine at what is appropriate for their body, then he allows them work at their own level without adjustment.



Each aspect that we work on, for example rotation of the shoulders, and opening of the shoulders are then used progressively in the next yoga posture.



Here again, extension and rotation of the shoulder is isolated.



Kevin uses the wall as a prop, to help us key into the correct rotation of the arm and rotation of the shoulder, which will be used in the downward dog yoga posture.



Kevin makes sure everyone is getting the rotation correctly.



And again we all get a chance to implement this shoulder rotation within the downward dog yoga asana.

Correct leg alignment in Standing yoga postures

Kevin demonstrates using the windowsill as a prop, and the correct alignment.



Each aspect of the yoga posture is explained and demonstrated clearly to the group.



And then its our turn to work on the alignment.



Kevin goes around each of the group ensuring that everyone has understood the alignments on a physical level and is able to implement them to the best of their current physical ability.



Each person works to their own ability and there is no pressure or comparison made as each of our bodies are unique, and our experience and current state is unique to ourself.



Sometimes by coming out of the yoga asana and then going back into it, we become more conscious of whats happening inside.



Kevin then demonstrates the posture and correct alignment without using any props.



His demonstrations are clear.



And his language is full of information as well as entertaining.



And his regular daily practice allows Kevin to comfortably come into these yoga asanas with very good alignment.



And now its our turn again to put into practice these precise instructions.



Kevin reminds us of what to watch out for or feel out for to be more precise, and also which muscles to draw in, which parts of the body to elongate, which parts to allow to fully extend.



And although we may have a lot of yoga experience, its quite difficult to tell if we have correct alignment without getting feedback from an experienced teacher who can easily see our alignment and know which aspects of the posture will improve the inner workings for us.



As we continue to work ourselves at our own level of ability Kevin walks around and gives individual adjustments when required.



Over the course of a week, its amazing the improvements that occurs for each person in their yoga asanas.



And as we move on to other standing yoga postures, many of the same principles apply.



And before moving on to each yoga posture, Kevin demonstrates, explains the principles, points out the usual downfalls or mis-alignments that people make, and then we work on implementing these guidelines into the next yoga asana.



The alignment and how we come into the posture is very important, as correct engagement even before one moves, and as we come inot the yoga posture, prevents many of the common mistakes which occur in the final pose.

Blocks are used so that the top of the head just gently rests in the final pose.

Backward bending yoga asanas photos

Kevin demonstrates the final pose, after already taking us through how to align the body before one begins to move into the posture.



Relaxing parts of the body while other parts work is an important aspect of coming into many yoga asanas.



And often we work on coming into a preparation posture without fully moving into the finished posture.



Then we work on our awareness of having the hands and arms and shoulders in the correct alignment.



And build this into the posture.



Again Kevin works on each individual. This photo shows Erika who is an experienced Iyengar practitioner and teacher.



Kevin stays with each milisecond of coming into the pose.



Giving verbal instructions and feedback...



and physical adjustments when the person is ready to receive them.



Each person works to their own ability in the yoga pose.



Shavasana or corpse pose is a welcome posture, but to do this posture correctly is said to be one of the most difficult. It requires not onlt correct alignemnt, but letting go on many levels.



Not everyone gets even the physical alignment correctly, but sometimes we need to just rest.



Kevin demonstrates shoulder alignment as a preparation for the later shoulder stand yoga posture.



As we practice, Kevin checks how we are doing.



And often gives verbal instructions to the person to give them feedback on what aspect they need to work on.



And again belts are used to help achieve a better posture without straining.



When required another demonstration is given.



And finally the praparation postures are then used to come into the full shoulder stand asana.

Shoulder stand asana photos

These photos show Kevin demonstrating shoulder stand yoga posture.



The props support the shoulders prevent the weight of the body impinging on the neck.



Again taking one's time coming into the asana, helps prevent mis alignement from creeping in.



Kevin reminds us what to watch out for...



and demonstrates the finished asana.



Each of us set up the props carefully, and prepare to come into the posture.



And its reassuring to know that we are doing the posture correctly.



The wall acts as a prop as it helps us achieve balance while maintaining correct alignment before moving away from the wall if we are ready for this step.



Again Kevin gives individual instruction...



and Annika moves into the yoga posture



while getting constant feedback and adjustments.



Charlotte has meanwhile moved onot the finished pose



as has Rachael who is another yoga teacher while Claire works with taking her time into moving away from the wall.



Jeff and Mike both work on achieving a verticle pose

Jenny and Linda both work to improve their finished posture.



And Kevin works with Claire to bring her into the finished asana.



Kevin gives feedback to Janet



and then to Beatrice as she uses the wall to come up into the posture.



Each person works to their own ability. In the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre there is no competition, and everyone works at their own pace.



Iyengar yoga practice with clear instruction both in demonstrations and precise verbal descriptions all given across in an enjoyable manner and with clear devotion and respect to B.K.S. Iyengar.



Jeff uses the awareness of posture to bring the body into alignment, and creates the space tp allow the mind to come to rest in the present, while maintaining an open and clear awareness.

The Burren lies waiting for you ;-)

The Burren, with it's ancient landscape lies wating for you and many more yoga aspirants, be you a beginner or a yoga teacher, we have only the best of yoga and meditatin teachers from all over the world who teach here.





Wishing you every happiness and may you receive in 2006 everything which is good for you and your enfoldment in this lifetime.

I hope that you have enjoyed getting an insight into one of the week long courses here at Burren Yoga, and i wish you well with your journey. - Dave

If you have not seen the other photos from this course, showing other yoga asanas, and also some of the outdoor activities and the vegetarian meals, Click here for more Christmas yoga postures and fun