This class trains Karaṇḍavāsana as one of the hardest yet most rewarding poses of the Second Series. The work begins with Pincha Mayūrāsana: kick up smoothly, balance with poise, then dexterously take Padmāsana before lowering. The key is to keep the body compact—thighs drawn to chest, no wasted energy—so that lowering and lifting stay efficient . Early stages focus on micro-lowers: suck one thigh to the chest while the other stays vertical, then switch, essentially plank drills on the forearms. Progressions include both thighs to chest, cross-legged lowers, or half Lotus before attempting the full bind. Each variation builds the strength and rhythm needed for the full pose. A central principle is to commit forward—even though Lotus feels like it wants to throw you back, staying forward gives the best chance of coming up. Don’t undo the Lotus too soon, as that destabilizes the line. Lower only as far as you can still return; even pausing mid-lower and rising again trains the chain of strength. The takeaway: Karaṇḍavāsana isn’t conquered in one piece but by layering compact lowers, cross-leg variations, and faithful Lotus work until the strength, rhythm, and confidence integrate. Struggle is expected—patience and repetition turn it into progress. Model - Romain Prevost