This Thursday, we did Halasana which means in Sanskrit, the plow.  To be honest, I couldn’t remember a yoga class without Salamba Sarvangasana, supported shoulder stand, the pre pose of Halasana.  As usual,  I struggled with Halasana.

Before I explain, from the perspective of a beginner student, the pose of Halasana, we need the setup of yoga props.  When we get to a certain level, props shouldn’t be necessary.  For Halasana, the pose required three Mexican blankets, a yoga mat, and block or a bolster.  Stack the blankets with the neat edge for the neck.   Place the block where the lower back would be.   Fold the yoga mat over the block and leave an inch on the blankets.  Lay on the mat and put the shoulders on the blankets with the neck an inch off the blankets.  Roll the shoulders under.  Grab the mat and swing the legs over the head and to the floor. Toes touch the floor and straight legs like in Tadasana.  Note, people without flexibility can use a folding chair at the other end so that toes rest on the seat.

About twelve months ago, I was strictly using a metal chair to prop my feet.  About three month ago, I was using a small wooden table to prop my feet, but on Thursday, I went to the floor but Halasana was not pretty.  Normally, when the instructor tells us to go into the pose,  I get a little tense, worried. ” Should I push myself or should I ease off?”    I know when I push myself to my limit, I rarely have regrets.  I went into the pose then came out.  On the second, attempt my feet went to the floor better.

When the legs were over head and on the floor, I had to calm my mind.  When the chin was close to my chest, I could only take half breaths. My mind debated if I was in pain.   I wanted to panic, almost yell.  I counted to thirty seconds to distract the mind.  For me, this pose demostrates the conflict of the mind and the body that were not any where near union.