yoga alignment Archives

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

by Trisha Curling | May 1, 2025 | Main Page Display

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

TRIKONASANA

REINVENT REVOLVED TRIANGLE

“Now twist!” Sounds easy enough—until we realize the complexity hidden within the cue. Revolved Triangle is far more than just a twist. It’s a balance challenge, a hamstring and IT band stretch, a spinal rotation, and a forward fold—all in one. We may feel it from our hips down to our shin. While there are common ways to enter this pose, they don’t always serve every body. To reinvent Revolved Triangle, we need to peel back the layers and explore the posture beyond standard instructions. That might mean shifting foot placement, adjusting the pelvis, or rethinking where our hand goes. Matt’s approach offers just that: a way to break down the pose and build it back up to support our body’s unique structure. Reinvention isn’t about abandoning the pose—it’s about discovering our most intelligent, sustainable version of it.

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COMMON CUES

In his Pose Factory course, Matt outlines familiar cues often used to teach Revolved Triangle: heel-to-heel alignment, a short stance, bottom hand to the ground, and top hand to the sky. These foundational instructions can be useful checkpoints—but they can also become limiting if treated as absolutes. For example, this “default” setup might create tension in the ankles, discomfort in the back, or compression in the shoulders and hips. The twist itself may aggravate rather than liberate. That’s why it’s time to reinvent Revolved Triangle. Instead of relying solely on scripted cues, we’re invited to ask: What does this pose feel like in my body? Curiosity becomes a tool for transformation. It’s not about discarding tradition—it’s about deepening our relationship with it. When we let go of dogma and move with intention, Revolved Triangle becomes less about checking boxes and more about creating a pose that truly works for us.

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REINVENT REVOLVED TRIANGLE: BREAK DOWN & REBUILD YOUR APPROACH

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES

One of the lesser-discussed aspects of Revolved Triangle is the effect of the back foot’s positioning on the hips and spine. Matt points out that placing the back foot at a roughly 45-degree angle often feels more accessible. Turning it out more may cause the pelvis to over-rotate, which can affect spinal mobility and overall comfort in the twist. This doesn’t make any one position wrong—it just means we have to be honest about what’s happening in our body. If the pelvis opens too much, the twist may move into vulnerable places like the lower back or shoulders. When we’re asked to reinvent Revolved Triangle, it’s really an invitation to assess our structure and adapt accordingly. Yoga isn’t about fitting yourself into a shape—it’s about using shapes to better understand and support our body’s natural movement.

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REVOLVED TRIANGLE REFRESH

To reinvent Revolved Triangle is to give it a refresh—a structural upgrade with subtle, powerful shifts. In today’s video, Matt suggests modifications that can completely transform our experience of the pose. Start with hip-width distance between the feet to increase balance and stability. Experiment with our stance length to find what works for our hamstrings and hips. Draw the outer hip back to deepen the twist without force. Consider placing the top hand on our hip instead of reaching upward—this helps maintain alignment and grounding. Adjust the placement of the bottom hand relative to our front foot to reduce tension. These aren’t “shortcuts”—they’re refinements. They don’t weaken the pose; they strengthen our connection to it. Reinvention isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing better, with more clarity, support, and intelligence.

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MORE FREEDOM IN THE TWIST

When we reinvent Revolved Triangle, it doesn’t mean we’re changing the pose—it means we’re tailoring it to fit our present needs and long-term growth. A small shift in foot or hand placement might unlock more freedom than we thought possible. In that way, the posture becomes a mirror for our evolution on the mat. Yes, our teachers guide us—but one of the greatest gifts of Chromatic Yoga is learning to become our own best guide. Each variation is a new opportunity to explore strength, stability, and spaciousness in a way that’s unique to ourselves. Reinvention doesn’t erase the past—it elevates the present. Want to go deeper? Join Matt’s upcoming May online immersion, Aligned Vinyasa, to explore this and more. Learn how technique, intention, and variation can come together to create a practice that’s both personal and profound.

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Article by Trish Curling

Video Extracted From: Twist & Fold Immersion

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Headstand and Side Crow Transitions

Headstand and Side Crow TransitionsPARSVA BAKASANAHEADSTAND AND SIDE CROW TRANSITIONS Mastery begins with mechanics, especially when it comes to headstand and side crow transitions. Each posture on its own demands control, coordination, and a deep understanding of...

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

Reinvent Revolved TriangleTRIKONASANAREINVENT REVOLVED TRIANGLE “Now twist!” Sounds easy enough—until we realize the complexity hidden within the cue. Revolved Triangle is far more than just a twist. It’s a balance challenge, a hamstring and IT band stretch, a spinal...

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Urdhva Dhanurasana UnknownsALIGNMENTURDHVA DHANURASANA UNKNOWNS Let’s take a pause from what we think we know about Wheel Pose and consider the Urdhva Dhanurasana unknowns. Often, we hear the cue, “Just press up into Wheel,” and we do—without questioning the subtle...

Redefine Chaturanga

Redefine ChaturangaALIGNMENTREDEFINE CHATURANGA To redefine Chaturanga, we first have to be willing to challenge what we think we already know. Many of us were taught a narrow-hand, elbows-tight variation of the pose—elbows hugging the ribs, hands close beneath the...

Tight Hips

Tight HipsHIP MOBILITYTIGHT HIPS When working to release tight hips, most people instinctively go straight for deep stretches. But one often overlooked area that holds a surprising amount of tension is the adductorS (the inner thigh muscles) that connect to the...

Retraction Of The Scapula

Retraction Of The ScapulaSHOULDER ACTIONSRETRACTION OF THE SCAPULA It may appear that scapular retraction holds less weight in finding deeper backbends, but this action can be quite significant in what we experience when it comes to strength, stability, and...

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A Tree Pose Treatment

by Trisha Curling | Sep 25, 2024 | Main Page Display

A Tree Pose Treatment

Vrksasana

A TREE POSE TREATMENT

Tree Pose may appear to be a posture we can just “jump into” because of its “accessibility” from anywhere we might be standing, but it definitely requires more refinement than we might think. A treatment to revive its health is to infuse all of the larger muscles and all of the smaller refinement muscles with strength, creating stability in the pose. The two key areas that support the treatment of Tree Pose are the hamstrings and pelvis. Understanding how to express the alignment and articulations in our bodies will transform how we execute this standing balance posture.

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GIVE IT A SQUEEZE

Firmly planting the foot of the bent leg of Tree Pose into the adductors of the standing leg, along with a lift up towards the groin, might be difficult without enough strength in the hamstrings of the bent leg. One of the ways to develop this strength in Tree Pose is to place a sock or massage ball behind the knee. Squeezing the ball between the hamstrings and the calf muscles will help with the sensation of activating the hamstrings. In the video, Matt also demonstrates that although it might be challenging to lock the foot in place as previously mentioned, this action may still be easier than taking the foot away while maintaining the squeeze of the ball. This is how we can challenge ourselves: by removing the friction.

WATCH THE VIDEO

A TREE POSE TREATMENT: FOCUS ON THE HAMSTRINGS & PELVIS

PELVIC & SPINAL ALIGNMENT

Part of the treatment in Tree Pose is to examine pelvic and spinal alignment. First, we must recognize that this is an asymmetrical posture. In the setup, lifting the leg and placing the foot into the adductors automatically sets the pelvis in a slightly asymmetrical position. Hugging in the hip of the standing leg can set us on a path to negotiate our intention in Tree Pose at any given time. The result of the hugging in is a lift of the pelvis on the side of the bent leg, which takes the spine off center. Now, we can make a choice. We can keep a straight spine, which makes the upper part of the posture more diagonal, or we can side bend to make the pose more upright.

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RELY ON THE LARGER MUSCLES

It’s extremely important to hug in the hip of the standing leg to cultivate more stability. Additionally, when we execute articulations like this, we pattern the brain and body to rely on the larger muscles. These muscles will assist in sealing in balance in Tree Pose.

A common occurrence, however, is that when balancing on one foot, we can get caught up in trying to place all of the weight of the balance into the ankles. Distributing some of the responsibility into bigger muscles, like the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) of the thigh, will provide the support needed to take further action. The actions that follow completely transform our ability to remain stable and secure, yet more at ease with our ability in the posture.

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GO AHEAD AND REFINE

Tiny refinements act as a foundation beneath the frame of the larger setup.

Here are some key actions Matt demonstrates to fine-tune Tree Pose:

Move the inner thigh bone of the standing leg back
On the same side, draw the sit bone down towards the heel
Implement the 3 Points of the Feet: Press the big toe, pinky toe, and heel down into the ground
Slightly close the pelvis on the side of the bent knee

These refinements work in conjunction with the larger outer hip muscles for maximum balance in Tree Pose.

Learning and implementing articulations like these enrich our practice.

Matt’s next cohort of 200 & 300 Hr. Teacher Training begins in October. Registration is open if you’re ready to take action and level up your practice.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

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Article by Trish Curling

Videos Extracted From: Lotus Immersion & Alignment Immersion

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ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
Appropriate for both teachers and students
Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
Demystify yoga poses and transitions
Release aches and pains
Learn how to avoid common injuries
Caters to all levels with modifications and props
20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
Lifetime access

TELL ME MORE!

Continue Learning

Headstand and Side Crow Transitions

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Redefine Chaturanga

Tight Hips

Retraction Of The Scapula

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Accelerated Handstand Development

by Trisha Curling | Apr 11, 2024 | Main Page Display

Accelerated Handstand Development

inversion

ACCELERATED HANDSTAND DEVELOPMENT

Accelerating the process of achieving a goal comes from consistent practice, but it also depends heavily on the information and knowledge we’ve acquired.

Whether a handstand is part of our regular asana practice or not, there is always room for improvement. Learning and understanding the intricate skill sets are imperative. These are the things that will expedite our development. This doesn’t mean that it will happen fast but that we are equipped with more knowledge to apply to our physical practice, which will enhance our results.

There are a number of different areas for improvement when it comes to a better handstand, and one that might be overlooked is pelvic alignment. The drills and skills from today’s video provide the roadmap towards the final destination of a well-balanced handstand (pun intended lol).

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PELVIC ALIGNMENT TENDENCIES

In an upright position, knowing the difference between anterior and posterior tilt of the pelvis may be easier to negotiate. At other times, it may be harder to determine. In the full class, Matt explains that many of us have the tendency to posteriorly tilt the pelvis when standing, which may be because we are trying to find the least amount of energy exertion by placing more weight into the hip joints.

The opposite is true when upside down in a handstand. Here, the tendency may be to anteriorly tilt the pelvis (especially if there is a wall behind us). We might feel that the safer place to be is behind us, so the hips move in that direction. This tendency does not serve us in a balanced handstand away from a wall. In this case, the posterior tilt of the pelvis is a must.

WATCH THE VIDEO

ACCELERATED HANDSTAND DEVELOPMENT: POLISHING PELVIC ALIGNMENT

SPHINX TO HOLLOW BODY & CRESENT POSE

To find balance in a handstand off the wall, we must polish our pelvic alignment. We don’t start by trying this in handstand; first, we must strengthen and train the appropriate muscles in other postures and drills. In today’s video, Matt begins by demonstrating 2 ways to implement this strengthening and training in our regular practice.

Sphinx to Hollow Body

In this demonstration, we are guided through 4 phases. It is a very slow and controlled process that not only strengthens the core and upper body, it also helps us understand how to effectively isolate and articulate the movements of the rib cage and pelvis.

Crescent Pose

Here we really learn to train and develop the tucking of the tailbone—the posterior tilt of the pelvis—against straightening and lengthening the back leg. When doing this, we’re activating the quadricep and gluteal muscles at the same time. This will translate well when transitioning upside down.

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HANDSTAND WALL DRILLS

Included in the process of handstand development is the practicing of pelvic alignment when we’re inverted in the context of drills. The handstand drills in today’s video are done against a wall. They provide the opportunity to place our feet on the wall in order to focus on the placement of the pelvis into a posterior-tilt position.

First, without any props, we gain the understanding of how important it is to push through the shoulders to initiate greater movement of the rib cage back, which initiates the desired “straight stacking” of the body. When the action of the posterior tilt takes place, our feet become lighter.
This is the same drill with the use of a chair, which can assist by offering more control to get upright. The exit here can also assist in practicing a safer exit when we start practicing away from a wall.

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PROCESS & TRANSFORMATION

We can never escape going through the processes our bodies need when we’re working towards a given yoga posture, and those processes are always individual. The muscles we need to train, the techniques we need to develop, and the knowledge we need to acquire will vary at different times throughout the process.

Matt always says that a posture like a handstand is evidence that we have tapped into increased mastery of the understanding of our own bodies. This is the true gift of the process on the journey towards transformation, not achievement.

Matt’s 10-Day Handstand Program works to systematically expose our greatest potential.

Transform your relationship with handstand by registering today!

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

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Article by Trish Curling

Videos Extracted From: Handstand & Meditation Immersion

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ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
Appropriate for both teachers and students
Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
Demystify yoga poses and transitions
Release aches and pains
Learn how to avoid common injuries
Caters to all levels with modifications and props
20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
Lifetime access

TELL ME MORE!

Continue Learning

Headstand and Side Crow Transitions

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Redefine Chaturanga

Tight Hips

Retraction Of The Scapula

All Videos

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Bound Ardha Chandrasana

by Trisha Curling | Nov 16, 2023 | Main Page Display

Bound Ardha Chandrasana

Technique, Accessibility, and Expression

BOUND HALF MOON

BOUND ARDHA CHANDRASANA

As Matt shares the 5 Powers of Consciousness from Tantrik yoga philosophy in his current immersion, The Power of Bliss, he reminds us that they are powers that exist within us and are present all around us. You can see a brief breakdown here. These teachings can be applied when discussing Bound Ardha Chandrasana, and there is a lot to say. In the full class, Matt describes this pose as one of the most challenging (this is subjective of course), but that leaves room to interject discussion of the 2nd power of consciousness, Bliss (Ānanda-Śakti), into the conversation. When considering what Bliss means when it comes to Bound Ardha Chandrasana, you’ll also have to also make room for how technique (or knowledge, Jñāna-Śakti), accessibility, and expression play a role.

THE POWER OF BLISS

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WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF BLISS?

I was asked this question once by my osteopath, and I gave an answer about a feeling, a moment in time when I felt happy. Starting to delve deeper into philosophy in my 300 Hour studies with Matt has definitely challenged my previous answer.

Matt explains the teachings so well, stating that Bliss (yes, with a capital B) is not a feeling of just finding happiness, or of “being in a state of bliss” because things are going the way you want them to at a particular moment or in life. Rather, it is the awareness (Cit-Śakti) that even in struggle, you can experience Bliss because you are here, in the human experience. Your mere being is an expression of Bliss itself and all that your experiences encompass.

If Bound Ardha Chandrasana is challenging and you’re feeling frustrated in the process, Bliss is actually present.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BOUND ARDHA CHANDRASANA: TECHNIQUE, ACCESSIBILITY, AND EXPRESSION

GROWTH AND EXPRESSION

The same is true if Bound Ardha Chandrasana comes to you quite naturally. Bliss is also present in this state. This is where we come to understand that it’s more about where we are along the journey of Bound Ardha Chandrasana and not about the achievement of the posture itself. It’s about the knowledge we are gaining and about each individual experience. Your ability to express yourself fully in any variation of the posture is what contributes to the deepening of your relationship with the practice of yoga and the power that exists within you.

On the Chromatic Path to the posture, there are variations and preparations for you to learn from, sit with, and grow with. Matt’s classes offer a plethora of options for you to carve your own path.

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VARIATION AND PREPARATION

In today’s video, Matt starts off by demonstrating the techniques involved in Bound Side Angle. Important cues like the internal rotation of your arms, along with bowing deeply forward, create an accessibility to the bind that you may not have thought possible. Now, working this way in Bound Side Angle or even Bound Triangle (which he also demonstrates) doesn’t necessarily make the pose “easier.” This approach just offers options and access points for you to explore. The postures are opportunities for you to explore the techniques, gain knowledge, and discern what is appropriate for you to express at any given time. Matt offers the option for you to explore a half bind, or none at all. When you play the video, you’ll hear him discuss the importance of finding the love within yourself to express outwardly in the form or variation you’ve chosen.

300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

Get 500 hour certified
Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
Expand your teaching skills
Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

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FROM TECHNIQUE TO BLISS

You could quite easily argue that it’s not a road from technique to Bliss; they actually very much permeate one another. Bliss exists within acquiring the knowledge of the techniques involved in Bound Ardha Chandrasana. Being present in the fullness of each step reminds you of the fact that you have an ability to explore your body in this way and that both your experience in your body and your experience with postures like Bound Ardha Chandrasana will change over time. The intricacies that Matt demonstrates in the video, like where to place your Drishti (gaze), where to place the weight in your feet, how to ignite your glutes—are all part of the power that exists within you. Bask in the glory of this expression in the Power of Bliss Immersion.

The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

Article by Trish Curling

Videos Extracted From: Power of Bliss Immersion

← See Previous Story See Next Story →

ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
Appropriate for both teachers and students
Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
Demystify yoga poses and transitions
Release aches and pains
Learn how to avoid common injuries
Caters to all levels with modifications and props
20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
Lifetime access

TELL ME MORE!

Continue Learning

Headstand and Side Crow Transitions

Reinvent Revolved Triangle

Urdhva Dhanurasana Unknowns

Redefine Chaturanga

Tight Hips

Retraction Of The Scapula

All Videos

THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
exclusive online course discounts
exclusive blogs and videos

3 Ways To Stretch & Strengthen Your Neck

by Trisha Curling | Nov 2, 2023 | Main Page Display

3 Ways to Stretch and Strengthen Your Neck

Home In on the Awareness of Your Posture

NECK MOBILITY

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR NECK

A common postural tendency or pattern for so many is slouching, which includes forward head posture due to the amount of time spent at a work desk or on a variety of digital devices. Functioning in this way may seem unavoidable due to work/life responsibilities, but welcoming in a level of awareness and actions you can take to shift this pattern will ultimately contribute to greater wellness.

If you’re holding tension in your neck and upper back, the techniques Matt offers in today’s video will help stretch and strengthen the appropriate muscles in your neck. It also means that you’ll find more freedom of movement, which may also lead to less tension. The key component is the awareness that you’ll nurture throughout the process. There isn’t any “fix” without awareness. This part of the equation must also be implemented.

THE POWER OF BLISS

November 2023 Immersion

Moderately paced Power Yoga classes
Perfect blend of movement, alignment, and technique
Inspirationally themed to give meaning and power to each practice
Tantrik philosophy: The 5 Powers of Consciousness
Teachings of the Yoga Sutras
12 classes included
Livestream optional! All classes available on demand after livestream's complete

Registration now open!

✋ SIGN UP HERE

SVADHYAYA AND AWARENESS

If you want to transform your experience, you must first be aware of your state of being. In my previous blog, Take Action in Flying Pigeon, we touched on the area of understanding the 5 Powers of Consciousness, which Matt explores further in his immersion The Power of Bliss and delves into in greater detail in his 300 Hr. Teacher Training. In Chromatic Yoga, Matt draws on the original teachings of the Yoga Sutras and beyond. He stresses that the key aspect is self-inquiry, Svadhyaya in the Yoga Sutras. This relates back to the first power in the 5 Powers of Consciousness from the Tantik perspective, which is Cit Śakti (the power of awareness itself). The power of awareness leads to the journey of Svadhyaya and therefore the discernment you need to take the right actions.

WATCH THE VIDEO

3 WAYS TO STRETCH & STRENGTHEN YOUR NECK: HONE IN ON THE AWARENESS OF YOUR NECK

TECHNIQUES FOR THE NECK

When you’re experiencing neck tension, it can be quite challenging to shift your awareness from discomfort or pain to the possibility of ease. Part of the formula to create ease is to stretch and strengthen your neck. This is important because the muscles of the neck can become shortened, weak, and tight from constant poor positioning such as forward head posture. Pulling your chin in and your head back and up, without puffing your chest out, can help to stretch the sternocleidomastoid muscle. On each side of the neck, this muscle attaches to both the sternum and the clavicle and then to the mastoid process towards the rear side of your skull.

Adding in rotation can also promote strength and flexibility in your neck. These may be “simple” actions, but it’s imperative to be aware of the execution of these techniques within a given posture.

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

Deepen your yoga practice
Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
Learn foundational class structures and templates
Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

LEARN MORE!

3 POSTURES FOR THE NECK

It can be easy to remain on autopilot in any given yoga posture, especially if you’ve executed the posture many times before. Matt outlines how to stretch and strengthen your neck in 3 “basic” yoga postures.

In Warrior II, you’ll see how Matt pulls his head up and back before initiating the next step, the rotation. When the rotation is added, along with the awareness to shorten one side and lengthen the other, what you achieve is an engagement of the sternocleidomastoid on the front side and a lengthening on the back side. What’s even more effective is the self-adjustment of pressing your head into your hand in order to get more in touch with the positioning and sensation. When exploring Pyramid Pose and High Lunge, the experience in both of these postures is changed by adding the same techniques (without the rotation).

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If you shift your awareness within a yoga posture, you’ll transform your awareness in your everyday posture. Once you have incorporated these techniques on the mat, how many times can you incorporate them into your everyday life? This is part of Svadhyaya, the practice of self-inquiry, on the physical level. Of course Svadhyaya goes beyond this aspect only.

Matt emphasizes that it’s not about staying in this position all the time but about training yourself to stretch and strengthen your neck muscles more often. Like anything else, these repetitive actions will stimulate the muscles to respond and ultimately make the shift to more freedom.

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Article by Trish Curling

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