A bunch of you have asked what posture "utplitihi" is - and it's true it is difficult to find information on the internet about it - the following is from memory, I believe from Yoga Mala, if anyone knows more or better feel free to correct me. Just as samasthiti is the first form we begin our practice in, utplitihi is the form we end in - the significance of the names of these postures is that unlike all the other postures their names do not end in "asana" but in "tihi". I believe this is part of the garland or mala of completeness allegorized by the ashtanga series. Utplitihi, I think is considered to me a "mudra" rather than a "posture" but I've heard this of sirsasana also and sirsasana ends in "asana"... so the other thing I know is that utplitihi, is also referred to as "uprooting", it is the deliberate practice of reversing the downward flow of apana which can potentially stimulate the awakening of kundalini. So it is done at the end of the practice I think as the final, if you will, "pranic wash", stimulating the entire body. But it is also sitting in padmasana (lotus) and lifting your body off the floor between your arms while you wait for the teacher to count to usually 10 - but Guruji and Sharath are famous for keeping students up in this posture for long periods of time - to build moola bandha, and stamina. Today I arrived at the Shala promptly at 6:50, and it was backed up outside so I waited for at least 30 minutes if not longer before I started. I had a nice practice, since I've been here I've finally been able to get my second leg behind my head in order to get into supta koormasana from the dwi pada position - (sans drama) I thought he wasn't letting people do it that way, but everyone who can, does - so that has been nice because I can keep my rhythm much nicer that way. I was finished by 9am - and that was when Sharath left - he had been adjusting since 4am, which was after he did his own practice. That is intense work - don't you think? Tomorrow I am starting at 6:45 - and also tomorrow Jennifer arrives! Thank you all for your comments - it is nice to feel connected. xxoo
Katie, It sounds like you are having such a great experience. I will likely NEVER get both feet behind my head in supta kurmasana...and, surprisingly, due to my new-found humility (and Karen Francovich as my teacher) I don't flippin' care :D Unlike you, I hated dance (when my own mother tried to get me to like it as a 6 year old), perhaps I was physically okay for it but I found it boring. :D I think it's interesting that, despite our differences...you are AMAZINGLY build...so strong and defined...you wanted to dance like a butterfly (which I think you are...beautiful and graceful) while I contracted and made myself compete in sports I had no business in. Katie, you are so sensational. Softer than you might like to admit (even to yourself) You inspire me. To open. To receive. Though, I'm not "called" to India (Tibet is my siren), I am in love with your devotion. You are beautiful...and wise.
ReplyDeleteAll my love, Kim
Ah! this is great... utplitihi... right there at the end, I count to 10 (sounds like it is more than likely 'one' where you are). What a beautiful way to think of it as a mudra rather than a posture. I think so many times, "ok, 'ten' (or five), that is enough." But really - when I take my mind away from a count of time or breath and really stop being resistant to where that is, I feel free. At least in a way ;)
ReplyDeleteKeep the pictures coming!
Thanks and blessings
xoxo-J