Description

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana IV (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose IV) is a beautiful advanced-level asana. When you see someone doing this pose, you may think you will never be flexible enough to do it yourself. But this version of Pigeon favors almost no one: It demands deep flexibility throughout the entire body and equal amounts of strength to keep the joints stable—and most of us can only develop this potent combination through practice. When you observe a skillful Eka Pada Rajakapotasana IV, you’re witnessing the result of hours spent refining many different poses to prepare for this one.So while it may be true that, even with practice, you will never get into this pose, it also may not be true. Only time will tell. Regardless of the outcome, you can gradually work toward Eka Pada Rajakapotasana IV by mentally deconstructing the asana, analyzing its parts, and then creating a sequence of poses that includes the same movements you do in your “final” pose.When you deconstruct and analyze Eka Pada IV, you’ll see that the pose requires deep hip and spinal extension, supple shoulders, and a steady core. The poses in the sequence that follows place ample emphasis on those areas. To practice these poses, you’ll need some props and a clear space against a wall. Have a strap, a block, and a bolster or two blankets nearby. If you lose your steady breath at any time, take it as a sign that you’ve gone too far. Steady breathing calms the nerves and brings introspection to your practice. Knowing when to back off is one of the greatest skills of all!http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2750