Day #28 - Index Poses

The phrase Index pose has been repeated often this month.

Have you heard this term Index Pose?

I instantly knew what it was, but had not heard this phrase before.

If you are not sure I’ll tell you my understanding of the phrase Index Pose.

They are foundation poses, the simplest asana that teaches us the base for the more advanced version of the asana.

‘Index’ is defined in the dictionary as - is an indicator, sign or measure of something.

In trying to better understand what this index poses concept is my right and left brain are in conflict.

The left brain wants a list of pose and a linear trajectory.

My right brain dismantles and challenges anything my left brain attaches to.

I want some direction, but I also want freedom and this is important in this post.

I do not want to say index pose for this asana is this and that is the end of the story. Index poses like yoga can’t be fixed.

But I do want to give some examples to give you food for thought.

Here are a few gross examples.

• Virasana could be the index pose for Ardha Matsyendrasana.

• Prasarita Paddotanasana could be the index pose for Sirsasana II

Do you see the link?

As a teacher, this is kind of 101 when it comes to sequencing, I’m just excited to have a label for it.. to put on my box:)

Teacher of not, knowing the index poses for more challenging asana is going to be crucial for your development as a practitioner because they are the foundation and without the foundation where do you start.

So when you next what to tackle a challenging asana in your practice, can you first identify the index poses for that asana. I suggest that is where you begin.

Comment below if you would like a table (a bit like the periodic table) which indicates index poses and shows a progression from index asana to more experienced asana.

My left brain can’t help itself and I’ll share it with you if you are interested.