Bangkok Rooftop Yoga - Wheel Pose

When the morning temperature is already 28°C then a quick yoga flow on the rooftop comes so easy. Suddenly back bending becomes a pure joy without too much effort. 

Urdhwa Dhanurasna - upward facing bow pose,  also known as Chakrasana - wheel pose, has always been a real challenge for my yoga practise. The reason: my back does not like to bend very easily unless I am really warmed up or the climate is generally warm like here in Bangkok. Back-bending in winter in Europe is just not as much fun.

Especially my lower back is very straight - which can be great - but it is also stiff and doesn't have much flexibility. While physiotherapists have told me this is a blessing compared to problems of hyperflexibility -  it is of course also a restriction specially in AcroYoga where some transitions or positions are just easier and more beautiful with a good backbend.

But also forward bending with a straight lower back is more of a challenge. Rolling up from a standing forward bend vertebra by vertebra is something I just can't  feel in the lumbar spine. The only thing that helped so far has been some very efficient Pilates exercises that I can highly recommend. Trying not to use my belly muscles has helped me finding more strength in my pelvic floor and activating Mulabhanda to compensate and support in a better way.

All in all I have learned to listen to my body with more respect and accepting my boundaries without pushing them to achieve a certain goal. Finding variations that work for my body has been the most rewarding practise and helped me appreciate the benefits of not being perfect and finding more authenticity in everything I do or try to accomplish.