#12 More Than a Prop: How a Yoga Block Can Transform Your Practice
There are many ways to incorporate a yoga block into your practice. I frequently encourage and educate my massage and movement clients about the benefits of using one. I'll share some of my favorite ways to incorporate them into movement and meditation with you here.
Heart Center: Place the block between your hands at heart center. Feel the connection. Focus your awareness on your hands as they connect with the block. Anchoring you into your breath and into your heart space.
Yoga block placed between two hands.
Align and Center: This variation utilizes the block between the thighs. Oftentimes we feel low back pain or discomfort when walking, and sometimes that's caused by certain leg muscles having to work harder than others. Placing the block between the thighs and engaging the adductor muscles, (the ones that help us hug into our center) can help bring us back into neutral alignment. Find a gentle squeeze on the block, and let that help you engage your core, as you activate your glutes, you lift from your center, and allow your shoulders to soften. Feel that alignment. Breathe into your center.
Yoga block variation that engages adductor muscles.
Low Back Release: This is one of my favorites. This variation is deeply restorative and replenishing for our systems. Lie on your back on the floor or a yoga mat with your knees bent. Place the block at the base of your spine, at that small bony landmark called the sacrum. You'll feel that connection point as you settle into a comfortable position on the block. This is a wonderful way to take pressure off the low back and help open the hips. After a few breaths you can gently transition to an additional variation that elevates the legs
Low back release technique with a yoga block.
Elevate the legs:. When you're ready, slowly lift one or both legs. Elevating the legs helps bring relief to the feet, especially if you're feeling inflammation or throbbing, from being on your feet all day. Letting the blood and circulation move back toward the heart feels like a softening and replenishing practice. When I've been actively on my feet working with multiple clients, or just need to switch up my mood this is my go to. It helps me feel re-engaged with my heart and gives my feet a rest.
Restorative pose to help reduce swelling in the feet.
Meditation Some additional practices with the block include using it to elevate the hips during meditation. You can sit on the block with your knees bent, positioning it horizontally on its highest setting.
Seated mediation pose (knees bent) with yoga block
Or, if you prefer sitting cross-legged, I recommend keeping the block horizontal but on its lowest setting.
Seated meditation pose (legs crossed) with yoga block
For the August portal, we'll be incorporating a yoga block into the practice. Don't worry, you don't need to bring your own; we'll have yoga blocks and mats available for you.
Spots are still available. Signup using the link below.
Try out some of these variations and please share how they transform your practice. Sending peace and love as we navigate this new season.
