Pose of the Month for October - Tittibhasana or Firefly
The word Tittibha means an insect like a firefly. This is an arm balancing pose where the torso and legs are in a Wide-legged Seated Forward Fold and the arms are doing the same work as in Crow.
That should give you an idea of some of the warm ups and modifications for this pose: either seated or standing Wide-legged Forward Folds and Crow.
Since this pose requires a deep forward folding ability we will be working on stretching the hamstrings and glutes in postures like Triangle, Pyramid and Gate Pose.
In addition, we will keep working on opening the hips with poses like Warrior II, Cobbler's Pose and Lizard Lunge.
We’ll stretch the upper back with our arms in Eagle pose.
Since this pose starts from a squatting position, you should expect to work on stretching the quads and calves in order to come into a deep squat. Oh, and let’s not forget some abdominal work in Boat Pose. Does that have your mouth watering for the month of October? I hope, so. I am excited. And don’t worry; “While it is nice to have an end to journey towards, it is the journey that matters in the end.” (Ursula LeGuin) I’ll talk you through it. It will be fun!
I’ll see you in class! Karin