Hand to Big Toe Pose with a Yoga Strap | Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana Yoga Illustration

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, also known as Hand To Big Toe Pose, is a rigorous standing balance using a yoga strap for support, alignment and precision. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Hand to Big Toe Pose) with Yoga Strap | Yoga Illustration 

Every school year it’s a bit of a starting over - even at our smaller Waldorf where the pedagogy is consistent, we keep the same teacher through many grades, the classrooms are very similar, and families are often on campus - for the children, the teachers and the parents. 

It’s also a new beginning in the yoga studio after the Summer away; and it’s both a pleasure and a challenge reacquainting with my own body again and again…

Upward Facing Dog Pose | Urdhva Mukha Svanasana Yoga Illustration

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, also known as Upward Facing Dog Pose, will reduce fatigue, lift the mood, and upgrade your posture. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog Pose with a Playful Backbend: Foot-to-Head) | Yoga Illustration 

We never know what’s possible unless we keep showing up.

Downward Facing Dog Pose | Adho Mukha Svanasana Yoga Illustration

In Adho Mukha Svanasana, also known as Down Dog Pose, prioritize a straight, long spine and draw your navel up and in - can your navel kiss your spine? Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) | Yoga Illustration.

🎒 Pack your bags, pick your outfit - ready or not, school is in session. 🍎 

Standing Forward Fold Pose | Uttanasana Yoga Illustration

In Uttanasana, also known as Standing Forward Fold Pose, lift through the arches of your feet. Your drishti should be between the shins or - for more yin - eyes closed. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) | Yoga Illustration 

🌈  Rainbows of gray; Grays in nature reflect infinite colors. 🦄 

Ragdoll Pose | Baddha Hasta Uttanasana Yoga Illustration

In Baddha Hasta Uttanasana, also known as Dangling Forward Fold or Ragdoll Pose, clasp opposite elbows with your hands and nod your head yes and no. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Baddha Hasta Uttanasana (Dangling Forward Fold or Ragdoll Pose) | Yoga Illustration.

With a teenager, a toddler, two ‘graders’ in-between, and - of course - a husband… I must forward fold (block out the world for a few hours!) during inevitable bouts of burnout. 

Low Plank Yogi Push-Up | Chaturanga Dandasana Vinyasa Yoga Illustration

Modify Chaturanga Dandasana Vinyasa, also known as Low Plank or Yogi Push-Up flow, your particular way. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Chaturanga Dandasana Vinyasa (Low Plank or Yoga Push-Up Flow) | Yoga Illustration 

Get out into the world and collaborate with your fellow humans to realize and exercise your talents; skills shine in nearly any context. 🏴‍☠️

Four Limbed Staff Pose | Chaturanga Dandasana Yoga Illustration

Engage your core in Chaturanga Dandasana, also known as Four Limbed Staff Pose, Low Plank or Yogi Push-Up, to fortify your shoulders while building upper arm and forearm length and strength. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose, Low Plank, Yogi Push-Up) | Yoga Illustration 

Big, long exhilarating days are best executed with a bouncy hairstyle, tanned skin, and a fancy, functional uniform. 

Eka Pada Dhanurasana | One Legged Bow Pose Yoga Illustration

Backbend, twist, stretch, and strengthen in Eka Pada Dhanurasana, also known as One Legged Bow Pose, with an opposite foot hold variation. Illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Eka Pada Dhanurasana (One Legged Bow Pose) | Yoga Illustration 

 Back-to-school requires backbending, twisting, stretching and strengthening!

Scorpion Pose Handstand | Vrschikasana Yoga Illustration

Vrschikasana, also known as Scorpion Pose Handstand, illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum 

Vrschikasana (Scorpion Pose Handstand) | Yoga Illustration

Some poses will be personal best poses, some will be good enough, and others will be weak points. Strengthen your strengths; practice your natural talents, accentuate your best assets, focus on what energizes and lights you up!

Seated Side Bend | Ardha Padmasana Heart Opener Yoga Illustration

 Le’go the ego in Ardha Padmasana, Half Lotus Pose, with a Side Bend Stretch variation hands behind the head, fingers interlocking. A restorative chest opener illustrated by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Ardha Padmasana  (Half Lotus) with Side Bend Stretch | Restorative Heart Opener | Yoga Illustration 

Egos — you may not run the yoga show!

Compass Pose | Surya Yantrasana Yoga Illustration

Surya Yantrasana, also known as Compass Pose, illustrated in pink by Astrid Parker Kirschenbaum.

Surya Yantrasana (Compass Pose) Yoga Illustration

 Pink is my favorite color. 💖 What is your signature color?