Back bends have been known to spur some dramatic reactions. Some people
love them, some people hate them and some people just want to get them
over with. These often contested asanas are integral in many practices
despite the moans from the crowd that may arise. With back bending comes
many things, and emotions are one of them. Whether they are beginner or
advanced, back bends are mentally, physically and emotionally
challenging. Opening the heart and front of the body, places where so
many of us store our tension and simultaneously requiring us to find the
courage to trust our muscles and our breath.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by back bends? Thinking that they are
‘all about flexibility’ and maybe that’s just not your gig so you skip
out on them during your practice? You’re not alone, but here’s the
thing, yoga is hard. Opening yourself up is hard, and moving
past fears in even harder. No one said it was easy (at least not anyone I
know) but that’s where the benefits, the successes and the real yoga
comes in. If you listen, your breath will tell you what you need, when
you’ve gone too far or when you can move deeper.
Don’t give up. Back bending doesn’t have to mean you’re a pretzel, it
can be subtle and gentle or it can be deep and intense – how far you
can safely go is up to you. Pending any injuries, I encourage you to
explore the benefits of welcoming back bends into your practice and into
your life!
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