Parivritta parsvakonasana, a fundamental standing asana similar to utthita parsvakonasana, but with a twist.

I’ve just been given this asana and I’m having multiple difficulties. Firstly, I can’t seem to balance, this is not a surprise since I seem to have problems whenever balance is required in any way. When I put the arm down on the ground next to the little toe of the foot, I fall over. I try pushing the knee into the arm to propel my body into a twist, and I still end up on the ground.

Another difficulty is putting the foot of the straight leg down. There are two issues with putting the foot of the straight leg down. Firstly, how does one balance? Secondly, what angle should the foot be?

I tried to get a look at how it “should” be done by going to AYRI’s web site, but parivritta parsvakonasana isn’t listed as a fundamental asana there. I also looked in Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, but Parivritta Parsvakonasana wasn’t in there either. Strange isn’t it?

Anyway, I ended up finding a picture in David Swenson’s Practice Manual and John Scott’s Ashtanga Yoga Guide. Both books show the foot of the straight leg almost at 90 degree, but how is that possible? I seem to just fall over every time I try.

This pose is frustrating me at the moment, I just can’t seem to get the feel for it yet. I can’t find the balance and it doesn’t feel “right” yet.

I guess with all new asanas, it takes patience. I’ll get it one day!