Congrats Bluetrace!

I had two breakthroughs yesterday: The first was coming up into handstand with both legs - I went from using a bolster to using a rolled sticky mat against the wall. This keeps your head from banging into the wall, but eventually you have to wean yourself from the prop. I've worked with the bolster for 2 years, so this was pretty big for me. The second was my first successful drop back from standing then coming back up. I only came back up once (though I tried 3 more times), but I know once you do a pose, it comes more easily the second time.

I think I know what you're saying: from forward fold, planting your hands down and jumping straight into chaturanga? as part of vinyasa usually? yes, I want to be able to "float" more into it too!

question: I've seen ashtanga students float beautifully and lightly (it of course doesn't feel so light...lol) into chaturanga and I've also seen people "thump" onto their toes in power class. which one is the correct way to jump back? the more I try to float, the more I seem to thump...:P

I've noticed that those that can float well, can usually press up into handstand (this is different than kicking up) - so there's a whole lot going on in the abdomen. Also hamstring flexibility has to be there (to jump forward), because if you watch someone doing it, it's a forward bend. There's also getting the hips over the hands - so even if you can't press up into handstand, you can work on getting up with both legs at once.

Check out this video of David Swenson teaching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI25FyEOvlI

I would think a light landing is better, but I don't practice ashtanga. It would be something you would have to ask an Ashtanga teacher to show how.

yes, I visualize getting into a handstand when I do it. It's more the landing (jump back)...I'm assuming that you're supposed to land lightly onto your toes? Even some of the Yoga Journal videos shows people thumping down on their toes?

Here's another video for you, it shows the continuum:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZyj5nZldgA&list=UUn927zms5zmsKiUdMB4olbw&index=17

^thanks Mary:flowerforyou: gotta keep working on my handstands! (short arms too)

those drop backs look brutal...! I may have asked you this before but what are best ways to strengthen oneself for getting into wheel? Once I get into it, I can do it but lifting myself up is a struggle sometimes. I use a wall, chair legs etc. for help but I seem to do better by flailing out my arms rather than keeping it in!

Have you tried pushing up from a bolster? Lie over a bolster to give yourself a few extra inches, place your hands and go up.

I seem to remember you having shoulder flexibility, right? If not, some extra gomukasana arms will make a huge difference. The flailing arms makes me think shoulder flexibility. You could use a strap around your arms to test this.

Also, this technique may not make sense without a demo, but I'll give it a shot (I have to work on my voice skills anyway). First keep in mind the drop back work that Christina was showing - the part where you go to ustrasana (camel) - notice how she brought her knees forward of her ankles - keep that visual. Lie down, place your hands and feet. Lift your hips and come up into a little bridge pose. Then, move your weight toward your feet (remember the visual above), so your knees go beyond your ankles. Now you are using your strong legs to lift you up. Press down with your heels to lift your buttocks higher as you are shifting your weight further toward your knees and pressing up with your hands.
If that made sense, great. If it worked, thank Judith Lasater - I learned it from her.