Surya Yantrasana, or Compass Pose, is one of my favorite poses to teach because any sequence leading up to it will be full of sweet side body opening and juicy hip stretches, which leaves students feeling open and refreshed.
One warning though– this is a big peak pose– and I would say that there’s honestly less than a 50% success rate of students being able to “fully” (I use this word with caution, because any version of a pose is a complete version of a pose) practice this shape. This is no reason to steer clear of teaching it, but instead just means that you want to work extra hard to create an environment where students can focus more on being curious and practicing a pose versus feeling the need to perfect a pose.
I like to focus my dharma talk around being in the present moment and enjoying the journey, versus only focusing on the destination. I find this sets students up for being in the mindset of letting go of whether or not the do the full peak pose right from the start.
The other key thing is to teach the steps for entering the pose and giving students jumping off points where they can stay and work. A strap is hugely helpful for this when teaching Compass Pose.
The specific teaching focus for this sequence is on the rotation of the chest initiating from the bottom ribs, side body lengthening, and hamstring opening. This focus helps to inform the cues used when teaching your class.
Puttering/Warm-Up
- Siddhasana with side body stretches
- Lizard Lunge
- Prasarita Padottanasana to Skandasana stretches
- Wide Squat
Sun Salutations
- 3-4 Rounds
Standing Poses
- Warrior 2
- Extended Side Angle
- Triangle Pose
- Ardha Chandrasana
- Warrior 1 with Reverse Namasakar
Balance Pose
- Uttitha Hasta Padunghustasna A
Twist Pose
- Ardha Matsyendrasana
Peak Pose
- Compass Pose
Wind Down Poses
- Baddha Konasana
- Supine Twist
- Supported Bridge
Savasana
Give it a try and let us know how it goes! To catch a few video clips of this sequence in action follow @kate.lombardo and @yogarenewteachertraining on Instagram.
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