It’s been a very busy spring.
Rhinebeck
I began in upstate New York at Clear Yoga, a flourishing Iyengar Yoga studio in Rhinebeck. This place is much appreciated by the Iyengar yoga community in the area.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose). When practicing this pose without help, focus on your breath: inhale from the lower abdomen; exhale from the upper abdomen.
Manchester, UK
The Manchester and District Iyengar Yoga Institute (MDIIY) was founded in 1972 by Jeanne Maslen. I felt a tremendous sense of history, camaraderie and commitment to community at this, the first established Iyengar Yoga Institute in the world.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose). Press down through the outer heels.
Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose). Forming a square with your right lower leg and thigh, coil your right buttock under; press your right back ribs forward and slide your right shoulder-blade in toward your spine. Revolve your chest to the left.
Preparation for Parsvottanasa (Extended Side Stretch Pose). Revolve you hips and torso to the right, line up the center of your chest and pelvis with the inner edge of your right leg. Press down through your outer left heel.
London
I taught four classes on the Elements and the Koshas at the Iyengar Studio in London. I love teaching at this studio and I love coming back to London, the city of my birth.
Bristol, UK
Bristol — the birthplace of Cary Grant, Banksy, and the home of Yogawest: the Heart of Iyengar Yoga in Bristol.
Demonstrating Parivrttaikapada Sirsasana (Revolved Split-Legged Headstand). When turning to the right, lift both inner upper arms and shoulders; scoop up the right shoulder blade and press it forward toward the right lung.
I taught inversions to this very strong group of Iyengar Yoga teachers. Mukta Hasta Sirsasna (Free-handed Headstand). Your head, neck and back need to be very strong, and you need to be steady on your head before you can do this pose independent of the wall.
Demonstrating Uttana Padasana (Extended Leg Pose). Use your inner eye to align yourself, making your arms and legs parallel. After this we brought our hands together.
Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana over a raised chair with three bolsters. Keep your knees low to insure that the dorsal spine opens up over the support.
Göteborg, Sweden
On to Göteborgs Yoga Centrum. Here I taught a wall-to-wall, three day women’s Intensive. As in other countries I have taught this subject, it seems that women are not taking enough time to rest after the birth of their babies. In the Iyengar method, yoga practice is built up slowly and systematically after delivery. This protects the health and energy of the mother. It also helps the child, as it ensures a healthy supply of breast milk. Iyengar Post- partum yoga, when practiced according to Iyengar guidelines, leaves a healthy imprint throughout a woman’s life.
With my host Leela Grethe Hansen, founder of Yoga Centrum.
This drive-in multi-story parking vessel is moored along the quayside in Göteborg.
Helping a student in Triang Mukaika Pada Paschimottanasana (Half-Hero in Seated Forward Bend Pose). It is important for breast health when sitting, standing, but particularly when bending forward where the front chest tends to get compressed, to open up and lengthen the ribs that are just below the breasts.
Tuscany, Italy
With my host, translator and assistant Vicki Vollmer, preparing for Parsvottanasana (Extended Side Stretch Pose). Stretch your arms back, place your fingers on the wall bringing an even pressure through both hands, and lift up through the spine.
Parsvottanasana (Extended Side Stretch Pose). Extend the trunk forward over the front leg; lift your front leg foot and kneecap; maintaining the length of the shinbone, carefully place the ball of the foot back on the floor (keep your front leg toes light!).
Pada Hastasana (Hands to Feet Pose). Stamp on your hands and draw the forearm bones up to open up your wrists. This is particularly helpful for those who experience wrist pain.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose) with the heels lower than the sole of the foot. Press your heels to the floor. Make sure that your hips are over your feet to really open up your hamstrings.
Here is Viki Vollmer with Simone and Vispo seeing me off at Pisa airport. I had a wonderful time teaching a workshop for her in Pietrasanta, Tuscany.
Bobby Clennell 