Holy f*ck.I have gotten to the point where I can bind independently in Marichyasana D about 3 or 4 times a week. It usually takes about 3 or 4 tries on the first side, but I am actually able to do my twisty, knotted version of the asana. It's starting to feel all right, too.
Today, seeing me do it on my own for the second time this week, E decided I was ready to move ahead. Great! I thought. I'm making progress. And so, I finish up my 5 Navasanas and then there it is...
Bhujapidasana.
Look, I knew it was next and everything. I take a led class about once a month to challenge myself. But when I get to the second half of the primary series, I just kind of muddle through, modify freely, don't judge myself, and do whatever I can. Today though he taught me how to enter the pose properly, and he taught me the transition to Bakasana and then out to my vinyasa. E pulled my legs straight and twisted them till the knees faced upward in Kurmasana and insisted that I lengthen my spine to put my chin on the ground, not my forehead. He even pulled my hands together in Supta Kurmasana, although he left my feet with just the toes touching.
Oh... my... god. I already feel some soreness setting in. Doing those poses properly -- even modified -- is probably the most intense thing I've done so far. Even those first times in Marichyasana C and D don't compare. As difficult as those were for me (and as Mari D still is), I feel like I know where to focus. For Mari C, if I just lengthen and twist, I'm golden. For Mari D, it's about the lean forward and the exhale as I really push my shoulder forward.
With these new poses, though, there's so much going on that I can't even begin to breakdown my focus. I know it will come with time, but I really felt like a beginner today.
