Introduction to Backbends – Overcoming fear and finding balance.
Nina will lead this workshop to introduce and develop backbends.
Not suitable for absolute beginners; you should have a reasonable level of fitness and regular asana practice.
Our body’s natural response to danger is to curl in, protecting our most vulnerable part – our heart, both the physical heart and the energetic heart space (anahata). Backbends do the very opposite action opening us up to the world. We are exposing ourselves and that takes courage – but also builds more of it! Overcoming our fears on the mat can give us courage off the mat too.
Anahata is the center of compassion, and a positive balance in the heart chakra cultivates sensitivity and unconditional love for self and others.
Our spines are an incredible combination of strength and flexibility – of Sthira and Sukha.
Practicing backbends can open up the front body, increase your hip flexibility, and improve the mobility of your lumbar and thoracic spine.
Backbends are invigorating and strengthening. They stretch the quads and hip flexors and help open up the shoulders and chest, an area where lots of us hold tension. They build strength and power in the legs, arms and back muscles. Also, they can teach us to embrace vulnerabilities and build resilience.
We will cover beginner to intermediate asanas; using props, assists and fun drills to explore key backbend postures safely.
- Bhujangurasana/Cobra & Urdhva Mukha Savasana/Upward Facing Dog
- Salabhasana/Locust & Dhanurasana/Bow
- Supta Virasana/Saddle & Ustrasana/Camel
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana/Bridge & Urdvha Dhanurasana/Wheel
We will finish off with a Metta Bhavana, meditation of loving kindness.
Come and join me for a fun exploration of opening the body, heart & mind