Other than the dress I am indeed trying new things on the backbend. I never thought there would be so much to learn about a simple position. Turns out there is.
Heidi, who was in Thailand during my YTT suggested -in Facebook- a few things like:
For a while I became a little lax on the parallel-ness of the feet because I realized that everyone I know opens the feet up a little before they can ever come up, so why not me?
While practicing with Sharath last week for some reason I remembered the pointing the knees forward and alas! the bending became easier.
Easier?
Easier. Keeping the legs closer (imagining that I have a brick to hold in between the legs) and very parallel makes things easier.
Heidi also mentioned trying to even up the curve, and complimented me on the dress I was wearing on that old Facebook video which of course, only encouraged me to go red, and also giving a go on all suggestions. Thank you Heidi
Oh yes.
Heidi, who was in Thailand during my YTT suggested -in Facebook- a few things like:
- relaxing the neck (which I did not think I was tensing, but what do I know?),
- keeping the elbows parallel and
- forcing the knees forward and front, well, not "forcing", but making sure they are indeed making the effort.
For a while I became a little lax on the parallel-ness of the feet because I realized that everyone I know opens the feet up a little before they can ever come up, so why not me?
While practicing with Sharath last week for some reason I remembered the pointing the knees forward and alas! the bending became easier.
Easier?
Easier. Keeping the legs closer (imagining that I have a brick to hold in between the legs) and very parallel makes things easier.
Heidi also mentioned trying to even up the curve, and complimented me on the dress I was wearing on that old Facebook video which of course, only encouraged me to go red, and also giving a go on all suggestions. Thank you Heidi
Oh yes.
backbending is just hard for me also
ReplyDeleteHi Lila, good to hear from you!, I hear you, me too!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the read dress!<3
ReplyDeleteI found using a block too hard, so ended up putting a strap around the knees to keep them lined up when I push up into Urdva Dhanurasana. I used the block lengthways between my feet.
ReplyDeleteThank you Teeg, I feel all happy that you do! even doing my little dance, just don't tell anyone ;-)
ReplyDeleteGlobie, a strap ha? live and learn...I am trying to imagine how you would do it, guess from laying down you would secure it first? and then go up? hmm I dont actually own a strap (you know ashtangis and all that "no-no" attitude about props) I wonder if it would help to give it a try...
I had the strap from before I realised all this was leading to Ashtanga.
ReplyDeleteI put my feet hip width apart then secure the strap so that the knees stay parallel and cannot go wider than the feet. Once I have pushed up into backbend I try not to push against the strap, but to make it a little looser, then I know my knees and feet are staying in the right place. I am no expert ( Susananda is), but I then try and walk the hands in so that they come more under the shoulders, it makes it more intense on the back, but less strain on the arms and shoulders.
hm, how clever, making it a little looser instead of pushing against the straps would indeed guarantee the legs are pointing in the right direction. Will see if I find something like a strap and try it, thank you
ReplyDeleteBF's belt could work.
ReplyDeleteyes, good idea!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress! Beautiful backbend too! As for parallel feet engaging inner thighs should help, take care with the strap tho, i was using one for a while in backbends to keep my feet parallel but felt it was putting undue pressure on other parts, which was the reason for splayed feet, now i find it safer to control my feet with conciousness. Good luck x
ReplyDeleteThank you エスタ. I welcome the suggestion to be careful and am grateful by you sharing the story, I could not find a belt nearby today like Globie suggested, so I haven't tried yet, but I hear you I am ALWAYS very careful... I have this thing that I rather go slow but be able to practice than get injured and not be able to.
ReplyDeletei think I would miss it too much.