I knew half pigeon to be a very restorative pose, but it did more that just open my hips today. It was a very intense class and I decided that I would push myself, getting as low as I could go in my lunges, trying to keep my front knee at a 90 degree angle, sitting extra low in my chair pose, engaging all muscles. I pushed, I worked, I sweated.
To counter balance all of the intense strengthening of the thigh and hip, at the end of class we released into half pigeon. Starting off on the right side we stayed in the pose longer than usual. My practice has allowed me to get into half pigeon fairly easily now, but remaining in the pose for what seemed like an eternity had pushed my practice right to the edge. When the teacher brought us out of it I was more than relieved, I let out a quiet but large sigh as I stepped my foot back and returned to downward facing dog. As we transitioned to our left leg I was starting to become apprehensive. Although the teachers remind us to practice each pose as if it were our first time, the opening of my right hip was a much stronger reminder that this might get intense.
I lay my foot down, took in a deep inhale and exhaled slowly into the pose. I was a little tense, not wanting to leave my hip as vulnerable and opened as it was on the right side. But, with each breath as I was able to slowly deepen into it.
As I took in one more full breath and exhaled I entered a state of complete release and relaxation that I had not experienced before. I could visualize my body from a third person in half pigeon, the silhouette of my body stretched out on the mat. I began to notice a wave like energy radiating from my body. With my palms facing each other I could feel warmth flowing between my hands. I was in bliss. I remained focused, breathing even more deeply, allowing the hip to open even more fully and trying to let go of physical and emotional tension. I took in one more breath and exhaling slowly pressed myself back up and flowed my way back to downward dog.
I walked away from class floating, with a new appreciation for the practice and a sense of warm loving that is more than enjoyable in these cold, dreary, depressing winter city days. When you allow yourself the extra time and care for your body, you will be amazed at what your heart will allow and open up to.
