Spinal Extension is an Open Heart

Backbends (spinal extension) strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and increase the spine's flexibility. What a gift for a spine that carries and supports us throughout life!

With the upper thoracic spine elevated and the heart lifted, backbends are also heart openers. With my heart open (spine in extension), I encourage unexpressed, deeper energy and emotions--hopes, doubts, fears, joy, hurt--to rise to the surface, to be considered, maybe digested and released. Perhaps, backbends not only strengthen and increase flexibility physically--but also psychologically.

Spinal extension may simply be placing hands on lower (lumbar) spine for support, pressing the hips and belly forward and allowing the shoulders and head to gently fall back, and lifting through the chest.

Practice with softness.

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