Wild Thing or ‘Flip Dog’ (Camatkarasana)
Benefits
Wild Thing is a great translation for this pose. Sometimes we forget
how domesticated we make our bodies with constant sitting and
fixed positions. This pose traces the spiral line of fascia opening the
hips, heart and throat, a powerful energetic line, whilst physically
strengthening the back, shoulders, arms, hands and posterior line
of the body. It’s also known to give the body the feeling of increased
energy, gaiety and releases serotonin. It’s like a hybrid pose...and it
feels so damn good.
Common Mistakes
The two most common things I see: Stacking the shoulder directly
over the wrist closes the space around shoulder and over time can
cause impingements or instability. Next, would be crunching the back
of the neck.
Awareness
Feel the energy you draw from the earth as your hands and feet
make contact. As you plug in and trace the lower back, then mid,
then the heart lifting, you feel the entire spine lengthen. The strength
is in the length. Breathing easy, take long breaths using the inhale to
MAN ON THE MAT: WITH MARC LAWS
lift a little further. Remember that every pose is a chance for full self
expression. Martha Graham expressed poetically: There is a vitality,
a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you
into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this
expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through
any other medium and it will be lost.Tips
n If you feel in discomfort, ease off and re-approach it.
n This a beautiful pose to ease yourself into...use progression.
n Spend time in side plank to build the shoulder stability
and alignment.
n As you start to feel comfortable in side plank try a one legged
side plank. Then step your foot back into wild thing and ease your
way in.
n Keep the back of the neck long and use your reach hand and the
rooting of your feet to draw power to the spine.
n Let this pose be a full expression - the heart reaching forward -
unapologetically be yourself.
Marc Laws (marclaws.com) Photo: Andrae Love