Example Unmeśas (Transitions)
Below are just a few examples of the infinite space of potential that is the ‘space between poses’ known as a ‘transition’, or as we call them “Unmeśas”. In Sanskrit, the space between two thoughts, like the space between two poses, is described as an infinite space of inspiration, a wormhole to an experience of our true nature. In our yoga practice we find that the transitional space between postures is an incredible opportunity to access your own creative consciousness. Here are a few examples of unpacking this infinite gift box we call “Unmesha”. We look forward to seeing what you come up with in the Comments Box!
"While one is engaged in one thought, and another arises, the junction-point between the two is the Unmeśa, i.e. revelation of the true nature of the Self which is the background of both the two thoughts…Unmeśa is the creative moment. It is not thought, but a flash of Understanding. Unmeśa literally means opening of the eye-lid i.e. uncovering, Self-revelation.” -
Jai Deva Singh introduction to Shiva Sutras, (p.xxxv)
Unmeśas (Transitions) from Floor Level
Side Body Roll to Belly: Reach both arms overhead, bend left leg. Push through left to effortlessly roll onto the belly, massaging side body as you go.
Spring Roll Up to Seated from Prone: legs, bend knees and extend legs to propel yourself up to seated.
Reverse Rise up to Seated from Prone: Grab legs, bend knees and extend legs to propel yourself up to seated.
Unmeśas (Transitions) from Seated
Unfolding Figure 4: From Figure 4, right leg on top, lower right foot to left, plant hands inside foot. Push into right foot to slowly lift hips and left leg.
Unfolding + Momentum: Same transition, but generating momentum into the movement
Easy Pose to Easy Lunge: From Sukhasana, left leg in front. Lift left knee, plant hands, square shoulders to right. Push into left foot and hands to unfurl right leg to lunge.
Back Spin into Table: From seated, cross left ankle over right, plant right hand behind you in middle of mat, push into right hand and both feet to flip into table.
Back Spin into Dog: From seated, cross left ankle over right, plant right hand behind you in middle of mat, push into right hand and both feet to flip into down dog.
Back Spin into Crossed Dog: From seated, Place feet on mat hips width apart, plant right hand behind you in middle of mat, push into right hand and both feet to flip into down dog.
Hop the Leg to Lunge: From seated, bend left knee and plant left foot, place right hand behind you. Push into left foot to hop over extended leg, to pivot into a lunge.
Unmeśas (Transitions) from Middle and Standing Level
Crossed Dog to Seated: From seated, bend left knee and plant left foot, place right hand behind you. Push into left foot to hop over extended leg, to pivot into a lunge.
Step through lunge to seated: From lunge, walk hand to right, press into hand and foot to bring back leg through
Look Up Rise Up: From short lunge, rock forward, press into front and look up as you stand up.
“Deep bow” Step back to lunge: Step right foot back as you bend standing knee and release softly to floor. Note: Demo to students first, and have students visualize path of movement before trying it.
“Swiss Army Nice” Standing Splits to Seated Twist: From Standing splits with left leg lifted, bend both knees, release left knee to floor, left hip to floor, unfurl to twist into right leg.