The premise of this practice is unique. You gently work the floor poses, move onto the standing work, then reverse the order and end up back on the floor.

The practice begins on the floor in corpse pose or sometimes called lying release. Here is the sequence you will follow in this practice:

1. Reclining big toe release with strap

2. Reclining ankle to knee hip opener

3. Lying waist twist

4. Cat pose

5. Shoulder stretch w/strap (this begins the standing work)

6. Mountain pose (even this basic pose is detailed enough that even those not new to yoga may be able to enhance this pose)

7. Upward hands pose (arms held in 90 degree angles, hands are relaxed, maintaining mountain pose)

8. Chair pose

9. Standing forward bend

10. Repeat the standing postures from above

11. Warrior one (done from standing, no sun salutations/vinyasa in this gentle version)

12. Warrior II

13. Lunge (3 variations sequenced)

14. Tree

15. Child pose (brings you back to the floor)

16. Downward facing dog

17. Plank (Darlene first does this with one leg fully back and the other on knee, then she repeats doing a full plank)

18. Cobra

19. Bridge pose

20. Simple crossed leg

21. Seated forward bend

22. Crocodile Twist


This is a very gentle, relaxing practice. Done in voice over, the sequence flows naturally from pose to pose. One person instructs the class. All poses held long, which really will enhance flexibility.

Music: The music had a nice, soft tone to it. (instrumental type) It was appropriate for the gentle pace of this style of yoga.

Setting: This was also unique. The screen simultaneously has two different views of the person demonstrating the moves. (you get to see her from the front and from the side) I liked that, since you can see the pose from different angles. (kind of like a split screen tv!) Done on a wooden platform with candles, pillows and plants placed around the area to create a soft affect. What I thought was really relaxing was the "built in the wall fish tank"--nice addition since watching fish can have that affect.

This was a long, detailed, gentle practice. Poses are held for a long time. The actual practice is 84 minutes in length. This is then followed by shavasana (corpse pose) for about 15 minutes.

I'm glad Darlene sent me this preview copy, which was a homemade dvd-r copy. (I am not sure if her dvd's will be produced normally or dvd-r) Her website is www.yogafromthegroundup.com

Instructor Comments:
Darlene provides great form pointers, especially for those with neck and back issues. Also when appropriate, she'll mention when to skip/modify a pose for those with heart conditions or low blood pressure. On some poses an alternate, less intense version will be demonstrated. Darlene's voice is very pleasant.

DeniseR