The other day on the YBC Yoga Forum, a member asked about favorite ways to sequence a yoga class, and it got me thinking. I often get emails asking about sequencing, as it's something new teachers often struggle with, as well as students looking to develop a home practice.
I'm constantly inspired by various things - a reading, a good song I hear, and sometimes just playing around in my own self practice I'll come up with a great body sentence that just feels so good. I'll then tweak it over and over to make it appropriate for a general level class and plan the whole class around that particular flow.
It gave me an idea.
Wouldn't it be fun to do an instagram project where we could share our own sequences using common poses? I think it might jumpstart the creative juices, cultivate a little sense of community, and be a great way to go deeper within our own personal practice.
Here's how it'll go down:
Playful Yoga Sequence Project
Mission: To get the creative sequencing juices flowing and deepen our personal practice.
The plan: Every Monday for the month of December, I will post three poses here on the blog that we'll incorporate into our own unique sequence. We'll record our own flow incorporating the poses however we wish, and share them on instagram using a time-lapse app and the #YBCsequence hashtag so we can see how others have done it and inspire/be inspired by others.
The thoughts: Share your thoughts on the sequence over on the YBC Yoga Forum and connect with other likeminded yoga people!
Before you begin
1. Follow @yogabycandace on instagram.
2. Download hyperlapse from the iTunes store. It's free, and it's a time lapse video program so you can record yourself. Time lapse is nice because you can take your time moving through the sequence without rushing to get it within instagram's 15 second limit. After you record the video on hyperlapse, you can speed it up or slow it down. Just make sure it's within the 15 second limit for instagram.
How to do it
1. Record your video. Don't worry about being "perfect" - there is no such thing in yoga (or real life) anyway, so let go of the idea that you have to do something "the right" way. String in other poses that speak to you and feel good for your body. It doesn't matter what order the poses go in, just have fun.
2. Post your video and tag me @yogabycandace so I can see, and use #YBCsequence. This will be the hashtag we will use throughout the month. Be sure to include the poses in your sequence, and if you have a song in the background, feel free to share that too so we can add to our yoga playlists.
3. Click the hashtag after you post so you can check out others and say hey.
Wearing: Lululemon shorts. Using Manduka mat.
Tip for creating a playful yoga sequence
Don't worry about having some crazy creative sequence. Keep it simple and within reach of your practice. What I love about this project is that it'll be suitable for all and we can see how everyone from the total beginner to the super advanced will incorporate the poses differently.
So today's the first day, let's begin!
The poses
1. Warrior 1 - Warrior 1 is a great pose for stretching the leg muscles. Do whatever your want with your hands - up overhead, behind your back, at your heart. Whatever feels good, do that!
2. Tree pose- Tree pose is a good beginner balancing pose. Same as above, do whatever you want with your hands. Tip: avoid pressing the lifted foot into the standing leg's knee.
3. Pigeon pose - Pigeon pose is fantastic for the legs and hips. Feels so, so good. There are so many variations to take, if you're not feeling like doing the regular ol' thang. People often ask if the front leg has to be at 90 degrees. No, it doesn't. The most important thing with pigeon is that the hips are facing forward and the front knee feels no pain or compression.
And here's my submission is below. Add yours any time this week and let's connect!
Wearing Hard Tail Forever pants and bra c/o.
Let's talk Will you participate?!
Related Advice for new yoga teachers, and how to create a yoga class sequence.