online yoga forum

I can't do eagle pose, I've tried but my legs just aren't made that way . They don't want to wrap themselves round each other and as hard as I try (plead, cajole, whatever!) they just aren't having it! My balance sucks anyway. Come on who likes balances? Anyone? Nope me neither...probably means that I should be doing them, darn, shucks, humpf .

Any tips from you guys about what to do, or should I just give up trying and come to terms with the fact that it's just not going to happen in this lifetime anyway!

Im with you here Purple balances are not up there on my favorite poses list (which probably means I need to do more of them ). Actually I think that more than any other pose they show me how my mind is in the class that day. If I'm feeling strong and good then I can do them, but if my mind is all over the place, which generally it is then I suck at them too.

Tips? well try holding on to the wall that's what I do.

__________________
Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind - so switch your phone off!

Just keep the big toe of the wrapped leg on the floor until you find your balance. Also keen the knee of the standing leg bent, helps me every time.

I used to hate balances too but now I love em! Basically for me they give me a real good indication about what is going on upstairs in my head. If I am calm and centered then they work like a dream, if not forget it !

But when you're up there don't panic and don't hold your breath (they are my main tips with balances). I don't know about you but when I fall or drop my leg I then immediately try and stick it back up there without going through all the foundation bits that will help me keep still . So if you fall that's fine, it's natural, but start again from the beginning, focus on your spot on the floor that will keep you grounded (drishti) and then follow the good advice from these guys below (bending your standing leg knee etc.).