Revolved High Crescent Lunge

Parivrtta Ashtachandrasana

Revolved, high crescent lunge, or as I call it “water wheel” is a twisting posture that requires strength and a degree of balance. I feel the time we are living right now requires all those aspects from us. Life is twisting us, and seeing what is squeezed out. We need to stay strong and balanced to continue to breathe in the current posture life has placed us in.

The balance comes from a gentle energy guiding you toward center. The bent leg hip has the tendency to sway to that side. Try to keep the hips in line and driving toward each other.

As with many rotations, lengthen through the spine on your inhale and see if you can rotate on the exhale, using the space created on the inhale as space to revolve on the exhale.

1.     Begin standing at the top of the mat.

2.     Take a large step back with the left foot coming into a high lunge.

3.     Lift your arms and press your toes back so your left toes are under your left heel.

4.     Make sure your right knee is bent about 90 degrees and your knee is over your ankle.

5.     Open your arms and twist your torso towards the right side.

6.     Allow your arms to reach in opposite directions while you gaze over your right thumb.

7.     Stay in this posture for 5 breaths. 

8.     Return to standing position in one step.

9.     Repeat the steps for the opposite side.