Years ago, back in the day when I had a fewer grey hairs and had started a yoga practice, Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) was my nemesis and I partially attribute the extra grey to this asana. More in a bit...
This seems like an opportune time to share with anyone new to the practice that in your exploration there will come a time that you discover THAT pose. A physical posture that you have very strong negative feelings for, every yogi has one. If knowing this simple fact helps you to accept it, be comforted to know that you are not alone. It may show it's ugly head in many ways, for me it involved eye rolling (inward and outward), groaning (inward, did not want to let the instructor know I hated her), avoidance (taking your good old time to find that yoga block, it is here somewhere...) name calling (this is stupid) and curse words (use your imagination here).
So to continue with my diatribe, which is proving to be quite cathartic, thank you very much, when setting up the pose we begin in Warrior II and move to straighten the front knee which would immediately remind me that I possess a series of hamstring muscles. To add insult to injury each leg has them. Following this we hinge and reach for the ground which would then open up a discussion with my maker: "why were hips created?" and then some serious judgment along the lines "they are stupid". To the instructor (in my mind) I would share words with like: "what is the point?" and "this is cruel and evil".
Over the years the hip imbalance has improved, the hamstrings seem to have a life of their own, but once I gave myself permission to use props like the wall and a block the resistance slowly melted away. As with all yoga poses explore the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual connections, move to unite, move with a purpose, continue to learn and grow with the pose, the practice and notice the influence this has in your life. And ask your instructor for help, call, scream, wave your hands in class smoke signals or an S.O.S. all work well, we are here to help you help yourself.
To read more about the many benefits of this pose, follow the link below:
Please Note: If this or any yoga pose caused direct pain, numbness or just does not feel right to you, please stop. Your yoga practice should never hurt, seek advice from a qualified instructor or a medical practitioner.