Finding Emotional Balance Through Hip-Opening Yoga
Our hips are said to hold our stress and unprocessed emotions. In these workshops, we use targeted sequences and binds to release this stored tension, creating physical freedom and a sense of lightness.
Guiding a student towards a leg-behind-the-head posture. This advanced hip opener is approached slowly, with immense focus on the breath to allow the body to release safely.
This is a moment of deep trust and surrender. Assisting a student in Eka Pada Sirsasana (Leg-Behind-the-Head Pose) is about helping them release stored tension from the hips, not forcing a shape.
Working on a deep hip-opening and arm-balance combination. This posture, Bhujapidasana (Shoulder-Pressing Pose), requires both open hips and significant upper body strength.
A student's first attempt at a deep spinal twist and hip opener. The focus here is on her breath and maintaining energy, which is more important than achieving the full bind.
In our classes, we learn that deep forward folds come from hip mobility and core strength, not just from stretching the hamstrings. Here, I'm guiding students in Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose).
My personal practice of Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose), a posture that combines a deep side bend with a hamstring and hip stretch.
A student smiles while working towards the bind in Suptakonasana (Reclining Angle Pose). A relaxed nervous system is the true goal, and smiling helps release struggle.
A student achieves the bind in Marichyasana C for the first time. This posture is a powerful combination of a hip opener and a spinal twist, detoxifying the internal organs.
A student works on Krounchasana (Heron Pose), a deep hamstring and hip stretch. The focus is on keeping the spine long while drawing the leg towards the torso.
A student in a variation of a deep hip-opening posture, working towards Yoganidrasana (Yogic Sleep Pose). This requires immense patience and consistent practice.
About Emotional Release: The Journey into the Hips
We often think our hips are just about flexibility, but they are where we store our history. When I teach these sequences, I do not focus on how deep you can go into a fold. We focus on how much you can let go. It is not about the pain of stretching, but the relief of surrender. You might find that your body resists, but through consistent breath, we start to release that stored energy.
For years, I treated my practice as a performance. I stretched without understanding, which only led to more tension. When I finally shifted my approach to focus on the nervous system, everything changed. In these workshops at my Panchsheel Park shala, we approach hip-opening with patience.
We work with specific postures like deep forward folds and binds, but the goal is never just the shape itself. The goal is what happens underneath the effort. We use these poses to create space, both physically in the pelvic region and mentally where we hold onto stress. We incorporate elements of Sthiram Sukham, finding that balance of steadiness and ease that allows the body to soften safely.
Each session is capped at 12 students to ensure I can offer hands-on adjustments. I want you to feel supported as you navigate these releases. Whether you are working through tight hamstrings or looking to understand the connection between your emotions and your physical mobility, these sequences are designed to help you breathe into the resistance rather than fight it. It is a slow, methodical process of returning to yourself.
SharanYoga
I am Sharan, and I didn't set out to teach—yoga was just my own tool for balance after years in the corporate world. My classes aren't about achieving perfect poses; they are about using breath and technique to heal the body. I’m here to guide you through your own process of surrender, whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
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