Backbending again

As my life completely changed in the past 5 months, so did my practice. I have not been able to drop back, until yesterday.

Suddenly I feel a new surge of energy and I am grateful for it.

Constanza, who is the new official teacher, together with Arturo at yogasutra, told me that since now I am doing pashasana I should dedicate more energy to the drop backs again. It felt right, and so I started again.

The back bends still hurt, and I still go to the floor to relax in pashtimotanasana in a fog of disorientation, but I have began to do something different. Before I start the back bending process I visualize the poses going slowly and well, in a controlled way, and flowing easily.

the interesting thing about visualizing first is that I can feel the resistance that my body puts into every move along the way BEFORE I go into the actual pose. It is true that the going up or drooping back may or may not hurt, but the sensation is never exactly what I am preconditioned to feel. It is always different.

Visualizing it going well helps me let go of my preconceived ideas that "it will hurt".

All in all it turns back bending into a fresh start. Just like my practice these days, and just like my life.