As with any physical activity that is performed routinely, yoga comes with its share injuries, at least for me. While most of the poses are symmetrical (i.e. lunge on right side, then lunge on left), some of the binding poses are not quite as much.
Lotus pose typically involves putting your right foot on your left knee then your left foot over your right leg onto your right knee:
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Similarly, Supta Kurmasana, or Sleeping Tortoise, a pose I have been trying to master for 2+ years now, typically involves placing your left leg over your left shoulder then your right leg over your right shoulder:
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Y, my teacher, suggested this week that I try Supta Kurma with my right leg over my right shoulder first. I have also been doing the lotus poses with the left leg up first. I did this twice this week and, boy, what a difference alternating legs makes! My a$$ has been sore all week and switching legs makes it feel like a completely new pose. Goes to show you how one side of your body can become more flexible than the other.
This has definitely been a humbling week in my practice. But I am happy to challenge myself in new ways. Now excuse me as I go take an Advil...or two.
