The Key To Rabbit.

Okay, I have two things to talk about and one I’m sure many people think about but no one wants to talk about. Before I talk about Rabbit pose, I have to speak about “wanting approval from the instructor.”

I think it’s hard to admit sometimes that we want the teacher to say our name out loud and say things like, “Beautiful posture, Sally.”

I think only the most intense Buddhist Monk who has been meditating on a mountain for his entire life has perhaps overcome the need for approval. I think what takes me out of the moment sometimes is thinking “Hey! Don’t you see me over here with my head on my knee!”

I just wanted to comment to you all that you are not alone, and acknowledging your desire to be named aloud is the first step in making it less of a big deal.

I take class with my wife who has been practicing for a lot longer than I have. I am former pro athlete, 6 foot 5, 260 lbs., so needless to say, I am outside the norm when it comes to your average yogi.

That being said, I think I surprise my teachers when I am able to do some things that a 6’5, 260 lbs. man maybe couldn’t normally do.

Which brings me to Rabbit: The last four classes in a row, the teacher has mentioned my name aloud saying, “beautiful rabbit.” 4 in a row!

It has become “a thing” with my wife and I. She calls my rabbit a “show stopper.” The 4th class last night was hilarious. We were both having awesome, super strong classes and then we got to rabbit and lo and behold, the teacher says, “Beautiful Rabbit,” even though he hadn’t given a compliment to anyone the whole class. We both got these huge smiles on our faces. (Which is a great place to be after rabbit!) She jokingly talks about how it’s all going to my head, but she loves that they can’t seem to resist pointing me out. She says, “That’s totally hot.” (no pun intended)

Two days ago, the teacher actually said: “Hey look at him! That’s what you call Pi. 3.1415… a perfect circle.”

Can you believe that? I admit, it makes me feel really fantastic.

The key:

I feel like it’s my dirty little secret or something but the only reason I am able to achieve “Pi” is the grip on my heels. Your hands must grip your heels as if you are trying to crush a piece of steel. Imagine your grip on a barbell when you lift weights. It must be extremely tight and “aggressive.” Tight! Tight! Tight!

A super super tight grip, pull up and roll forward, and you can achieve pi!