Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose) is one of those poses I've avoided teaching in my classes. My teaching philosophy to this point has been to introduce the teenagers in my class to poses that are within their reach (so they have a sense of accomplishment and empowerment) and just beyond (so they'll have something to work toward). So part of the reason I've yet to teach this pose is that I wasn't sure if it was time to challenge my students in that way. I hate to admit it, but I think another part of me has been hesitant because I haven't quite mastered it myself and what teacher wants to undermine her yoga expertise by demonstrating a pose that isn't quite right.

After much consideration, I've decided that it doesn't matter much whether I can get into the full pose, just so long as my understanding of the mechanics and intention behind it are clear. (Besides, I've never doubted my own teachers when they weren't able to demonstrate a full pose, so why should my students? For that matter, if I limited my classes to only poses I've "mastered," my students would be hanging out in Child's Pose the entire class.)

Today is the day I will introduce the great Hanumanasana. Let's hope it's a success!