My Face Off with Change
Backbends are challenging for me — both physically and on an energetic level. And as such, it’s a curious study to watch where my mind goes throughout the course of a backbending practice: I am aggravated, frustrated, invigorated and ultimately fascinated by them. If I learn nothing else from backbends, they do illustrate & remind me of the first principle of Anusara Yoga: “Open to Grace.”
These photos were taken at our Anusara group practice yesterday with Christina Sell. For more pictures, check out Christina’s blog.
Ahh backbends! Gotta love ‘em!
I always recommend to my students who are trying to mastermind bends to spend some time at the wall after class. Take advantage of your warm and fully stretched out body to walk down the wall. Stand arm length away from the wall and face away from the wall. Reach both arms up towards the sky. Allow your body to bend back until your hands touch the wall. Take several deep breaths and slowly walk your hands down the wall. Take a few more deep breaths, walk yourself back up the wall, and take a counter pose like forward fold. Before you know it, you will be walking your hands all the way down to the floor! : )