Crow

Crow Theme Ideas That You Can Use In Your Next Yoga Class

Yoga class themes add a bit of fun and creativity to a yoga class.

If you’ve chosen CROW as your peak pose, below are some ways to weave crow symbolism into the class theme.

Crow Theme 1: Trickster Bird
The crow has always been associated with positive and negative symbolism. This trickster of a bird shows up to let you know that things are ever-changing. Continue overcoming any obstacles.

Crow Theme 2: Transformation
When you see a crow or practice Crow Pose you could be undergoing a huge transformation. Are you stopping your personal abundance (whether it be health, personal, or wealth) due to fear and anxiety? The crow’s mysticism and magic can aid in your quest. The crow’s medicine is a reminder that you are on the verge of manifesting whatever you have been creating in your mind. Allow those positive thoughts to guide you.

Crow Theme 3: Prophetic Gifts
When you see a crow or practice Crow Pose your subconscious will feel a strong creative urge. The crow has the ability to bring prophetic gifts of insight. What’s stopping you from creatively opening up? Let the crow’s medicine help you reach your authentic power.

Crow Theme 4: Grounding
The crow is a good symbol of balance in dark and light. Even their feathers change shades with the light. Just like the yin and yang, you need to find grounding in all aspects of life. Seeing a crow, or practising Crow Pose is a reminder that where there is dark, there is also the other side of light.

Crow Theme 5: Confident Self
Your tenacity and persistence will pay off. Crows do not give up easily. They will pursue their target and get whatever they need when they need it. You are gradually shifting into your confident self.

Crow Theme 6: Take Flight
The crow’s visit on the Yoga mat will guide you to continue opening up your vision. The crow is beckoning you to take flight and follow your dreams.

20 Modifications For Crow Pose (Bakasana)

Modification 1: Block Under Feet
Start with feet on a block to reduce the distance between feet and hands, making it easier to lift into the pose.

Modification 2: Knees on Triceps
Instead of squeezing knees toward the armpits, place them on the triceps for more stability.

Modification 3: Tiptoe Balance
Keep your toes on the ground, practising the balance and strength needed for the pose without lifting off.

Modification 4: Wide Arms
Place hands wider than shoulder-width to reduce wrist pressure and increase base stability.

Modification 5: Forearm Support
Use a bolster or block under the forehead for a sense of security as you lean forward.

Modification 6: Strap Around Arms
Wrap a strap around arms just above elbows to keep them from splaying outwards.

Modification 7: One-Foot Lift
Lift one foot at a time off the block to build confidence and balance gradually.

Modification 8: Partner Hip Assist
Have a partner support your hips as you attempt to lift into the pose.

Modification 9: Wall Support
Practice with your back to a wall to prevent falling backwards.

Modification 10: Pillow Cushion
Place a pillow in front of you to alleviate the fear of falling forward.

Modification 11: Elevated Hands
Place hands on blocks to elevate the upper body, making it easier to tilt forward.

Modification 12: Chair Behind
Position a chair behind you to catch your hips as a safety net.

Modification 13: Soft Surface
Practice on a soft surface like a yoga mat folded for extra cushioning.

Modification 14: Thigh Squeeze
Squeeze a yoga block between your thighs to engage the inner thigh muscles.

Modification 15: Bent Arm Bakasana
Keep elbows slightly bent to decrease the angle of the arm and deepen the shelf for the knees.

Modification 16: Towel Grip
Roll a towel and place it over the hands for a more ergonomic grip and reduce wrist strain.

Modification 17: Side Crow Preparation
Practice twisting into Parsva Bakasana to work on oblique strength and balance.

Modification 18: Toe Taps
From a lifted position, tap one toe down and then the other to practice weight shifting.

Modification 19: Squat Balance
Remain in a deep squat, place hands down, and practice shifting weight without lifting feet.

Modification 20: Assisted Lift
Use resistance bands hung from above to partially support weight while practising the pose.

20 Teacher “Assists” For Crow Pose (Bakasana)

Assist 1: Foundation Stabilization
Guide the student to spread their fingers wide and press firmly through the base of each finger to create a stable foundation.

Assist 2: Elbow Alignment
Help the student bring their knees as close to the armpits as possible, ensuring the elbows stay directly over the wrists to prevent splaying.

Assist 3: Hip Elevation
Place hands on the student’s hips and gently encourage an upward lift, helping them find the balance point.

Assist 4: Core Activation
Remind the student to engage their core by giving a gentle tap or pressure to the lower abdomen.

Assist 5: Gaze Guidance
Direct the student’s gaze slightly forward to maintain balance and prevent them from toppling over.

Assist 6: Thigh Engagement
Encourage the student to press their knees against the arms to create more stability.

Assist 7: Weight Shift Encouragement
Support the student’s shoulders as they lean forward, shifting their weight into their hands.

Assist 8: Safety Net
Stand close in front of the students, ready to catch them if they lose balance and fall forward.

Assist 9: Ankle Alignment
Ensure the student’s ankles are crossed and actively engaged to maintain compactness and control.

Assist 10: Feather-Light Lift
With the student’s permission, provide a light lift under their feet to help them experience the sensation of being in the full pose.

Assist 11: Breath Reminder
Encourage the student to maintain steady, even breaths to aid concentration and balance.

Assist 12: Lower Back Support
Place a hand on the student’s lower back to encourage lengthening and prevent rounding.

Assist 13: Exit Assistance
Guide the student safely out of the pose, ensuring they maintain control as they lower their feet to the ground.

Assist 14: Confidence Booster
Stand beside the student, offering verbal encouragement and a reassuring presence as they attempt the pose.

Assist 15: Wrist Pressure Relief
Adjust the student’s hand placement to ensure an even distribution of weight and reduce pressure on the wrists.

Assist 16: Gentle Backbend Prompt
Instruct the student to initiate a subtle backbend, opening the chest while in the pose.

Assist 17: Foot Position Fine-Tuning
Help the student position their feet so they are pointing straight back rather than out to the sides.

Assist 18: Shoulder Space Creation
Encourage the student to broaden across the collarbones, creating space between the shoulders and the ears.

Assist 19: Balance Check
Provide a spot by standing close and ready to stabilize the student if they wobble.

Assist 20: Strength Building
Offer resistance against the student’s feet for them to press into, building strength in the core and legs.

Benefits Of Balance Poses

Balance is the ability to control your body’s position, whether stationary (i.e. a complex yoga pose) or while moving (e.g. playing golf).

Balance is a key component of Yoga, along with strength and flexibility poses.

Top 5 Benefits of Balance Poses: 

Balance Benefit 1: Body Awareness
Body awareness is how your limbs are oriented in space, also known as proprioception. Balance training improves body awareness, which decreases the likelihood of injury.

Balance Benefit 2: Coordination
Balance poses require your entire body to work in harmony, otherwise, you will fall or stumble. Improved coordination during balance poses will be transferred into coordination in everyday life.

Balance Benefit 3: Joint Stability
Balance poses to promote stable knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders. This can prevent a multitude of injuries including sprained ankles and knee problems.

Balance Benefit 4: Reaction Time
Balance poses can improve your reaction time. If you happen to slip or stumble when performing balance poses, your body needs to re-balance immediately or you will fall. This in turn will improve your reaction time in everyday life.

Balance Benefit 5: Long-Term Health
Adding balance poses into your Yoga session helps to maintain or improve your balance, which is needed to prevent falls and fractures. As we age, our balance can deteriorate. Yoga balances will help delay that deterioration.