Dear all,
January can be a difficult month, especially, if you live in a part of the world, which does not have a lot of sunshine. Many of us find ourselves feeling tired and exhausted.
Some of you may not know, that I am also a passionate yoga advocate (hence my development of Piano-Yoga® and qualification as a BWY Yoga Teacher (2008). In summer last year, in collaboration with Steinway & Sons Pianos, I made a series of videos focusing on how to achieve relaxation for musicians by releasing the 'Yoga for Pianists' video series, where I introduced little yogic routines which participants can do before, during or after their practice. The series has been filmed at the Steinway Hall of Fame in London.
So whilst I was doing Trikonasana and Tree Pose on my mat, I had the eyes of many greatest pianists (Arthur Rubinstein, Vladmir Horowitz, Evgeniy Kissin - you name it!) staring at me from their portraits on the walls and it made me feel rather.... unusual.
Below is episode No 5 where I share my favourite relaxation yogic routine, as it is not even a routine, but just one pose, one of the most relaxing poses, a variation of Supta Buddha Konasana. It has a restorative function, and it is especially good to do in-between or after your piano practice. Once you get into the pose, you can stay in it for as long as you like!
It is suitable not only for piano players, but for everybody who needs a little TLC and also suffers from tension in their shoulders and upper back. I love doing this exercise in between my practice, as it provides a complete restoration and care.
You would need to obtain some yoga props: a yoga bolster and yoga block, but they are worth the investment, as they will last you for a lifetime. You can also add a cushion or a blanket, or a belt and support for your knees if you’d like to lie with your soles touching, knees bent and hips wide open.
I invite you to do this pose every time when you feel that your body is getting tired, as most likely you will find yourself feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after just 10 minutes of staying in this pose.
Published, at Steinway and Sons Pianos YouTube Channel, there are also a few other episodes I also have numerous exercises for musicians and sound engineers on my Piano-Yoga® Education Channel
Wellbeing has been always my passion and I am glad that I can share my knowledge with you, my audience.
Enjoy!
With love,
GéNIA