Evolution of backbends and how a good night sleep might help

I found this picture on the blog of a fellow yogi, who in turn found it on this source.

I cannot stop looking at it.

Backbending is my current challenge. After almost two years of dropping back, I thought I would be able to at least stay in pose for about 10 breaths, which is still a huge challenge for me.

Today was one of those really good days. Perhaps because yesterday I went to sleep very early to the surprise of my fiance. I mean, really early, close to 7:30.

As it happened I slept all the way through 4:30 AM, when I felt like chai and made coffe for him. The long hours of sleep seemed to have given me an extra edge.

I was able to stay in urdhva dhanurasana for 8 long, very long counts, and I did it 4 times. Then Eddie came to help me with the dropbacks.

I did my usual chackrasana (wheel) before standing up, and he mentioned that it is not meant to happen at that point. I thought it was... Guess that is only if you are about to close, but if, as in my case, I am about to go into dropbacks then no chackrasana. Could someone have mentioned that earlier? guess not, tough love.

"It interfeers with the drop backs" said Eddie, oh yes it does!

Anyway, they came out lovely, not on my own yet, but I feel they are coming. In the meantime I will keep staring at the picture