Standing poses are the foundation of this innovative method of classical yoga, named for B.K.S. Iyengar. In some form, variation and degree, I practice them daily. When practiced with utmost attention they awaken and tune one’s instrument. Standing poses develop strength, stability, balance, agility, alignment and the ability to see all the parts of one’s self at once.
“Actions mirror a man’s personality better than his words... The yogi conquers the body by the practice of āsanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit... A soul without a body is like bird deprived of its power to fly.” —Yogācārya B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga, 1966.
“.The spirit, like the body, can be strengthened and developed by frequent exercise. Just as the body, if neglected, grows weaker and finally impotent, so the spirit perishes if untended. And for this reason it is necessary for the artist to know the starting point for the exercise of his spirit.” —Kandinsky
“All great art contains at its center contemplation, a dynamic contemplation.” —Susan Sontag
Prasārita Pādottānāsana I — “intense stretch of the spread wide legs” pose, straight arm stage)