Yes, I like teaching the scorpion. But to teach it, you need a basal attitude from the student. An ability to fall and not be overwhelmed by that. Because letting go is the first way to reach the pose. I believe this pose can teach you a lot of things: focus, regular practice, total awareness, and an ability to shift awareness when things are constricting you (as may happen with the breath unless you learn to release it, which means you again invite the chance to fall over:), strength and a sense of not taking anything --including your skills -- for granted. I have seen students who I have taught this, equally, due to lack of practice lose it. Coming from that can be more daunting than learning it for the first time. Though many have attempted it, only a few of my students can stake claim to this pose. Which is sad, because this pose helps you take a leap in yogic awareness.
I have neglected my lotus scorpion for a while. Today tried it and had to feel the struggle of returning to the pose. So, settled into this locked scorpion, which is the easiest of the variations, if you wish to play around while being lifted aloft.
To this, you need the basic scorpion to be strong and steady.
What B.K. S. Iyengar says about the scorpion:
He says the drawing of the feet towards head creates humility in the practitioner. The head is the seat of power. But it is also the seat of the ego. Drawing the feet (a more flexible person than I, can rest the feet on the head) towards the head is to create the sense of ego subjugation.
Mmmm..worth a thought!!
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