Why do we always seem to look to the most extreme version of an asana?

Why do we always seem to look to the most extreme version of an asana, an ever more complicated, more intricate version? I've asked this question before hereConvince me Krishnamacharya are there any serious benefits to Leg behind head postures (Advanced asana)I like Simon Borg-Olivier's preparation/'beginners' version of Bharadvajrasana from his new 84 key asana course (See THIS post concerning the course). This 'preparatory' version (...

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Photo essay: Ashtanga? Vinyasa Krama? Krishnamacharya's early Mysore blah blah blah? or Practice, just practice

I was asked if I'm still practicing Ashtanga.I have no idea anymore what I practice, is it Ashtanga, early Krishnamacharya, late Krishnamacharya.... or just practice.*I tend to start my practice with a little tadasana hand and arm movements as taught by Ramaswami followed by some of Simon Borg-Oliver's nerve stretching movements.Sun salutations, A and B and a little extra time spent in each stage, five slow breaths.Standing is pretty standard up...

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Krishnamacharya's one minute Uttihita Padangustasa

I'm currently exploring a longer Recaka kumbhaka (holding the breath out after the exhalation) in Krishnamacharya's one minute Uttihita Padangustasa, the description in Yoga Makaranda (Mysore 1934) is fascinating.We have Krishnamacharya mention alignment,"...While standing this way, make sure that the head, neck, back, hips, arms and legs are aligned properly..."the gaze,"...and gaze at the tip of the nose".clear instruction for the breath,"..Inhalation...

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Ashtanga and weight loss, it's not the practice but the discipline. Also Simon Borg-Oliver on Yoga and Diet

I almost regret making up this poster with the before and after photos.This post isn't about appearance but health (the photo on the left happens to be M's favourite), about more discipline in our eating, what do I care whatIi look like, I live in the countryside and practice alone rather than in a shala.When I first started practicing yoga I was 94 kilo, I'd been living in Japan for six years, drinking too much beer and living on convenience food,...

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