My left heel has been numb for a few days now and it's bothering me. Not only that, my entire left side hurts... although not simultaneously. I have a suspicion that it's because of my sirsasana, I fell over a few times in my attempts. I read that the tingling feeling correlates to nerves damage, with could be caused by a crushed vertebrae, which a headstand can bring if not done properly.
I was careful with my headstand; I made sure that my shoulders weren't going towards my elbows, that they were strong and engaged. I followed the tips to keep your heels apart and foot flexed to help my pelvis align straight over my shoulders. But I guess the damage was already done.
Of course, I could be overreacting and this could probably be due to bad sleeping position or pillow. I HAVE been battling sore neck even before doing headstands. So sore neck isn't a big issue as much as my tingly numb left heel. I'm going to get it checked out later.
Yesterday night I didn't get the chance to do any yoga. Except to pull off a few asanas. I did the Bakasana a few times during the day and before I went to sleep. I also did the Shoulder stand only because I was prepping for a Sirsasana. Yep. But I kept it simple and sweet. Wanted to repeat it, but this time I tell myself, a Sirsasana a day is enough.
I want to talk about my journey with Primary Series so far. Why do I love it? Because it's a workout. And because it's challenging, everytime. If it wasn't challenging, it would be relaxing, or a humbling experience. And because my body is changing, getting better, improving. Stamina wise, I would say it didn't increase much; still have to struggle going up the hills when I cycle. But at least it kept my heart pumping.
I also like the discipline. The day in day out routine, never changing. I'm a lover of routine; need it like a baby needs its mother's milk. Especially exercise routines.
My favorite thing since doing this Primary Series is the fact that my upper body is getting stronger. When I was doing yoga with Angie, I couldn't even do a proper Chaturangga and Upward Dog. My arms hurt, and just not strong enough. Forget about the Crane pose. And it wasn't the teacher - we only have class once a week - it was also lack of practice.
When I first started doing the Primary Series (in the Intro to Ashtanga), Bakasana was the bane of my existence. I could do the Shoulder Pressing Pose just fine, could even attempt a half a second of Titibhasana, but could. not. do. the. crane.
So with two weeks off from Yoga as my instructor went for a holiday, I promised myself that I would try every day to attempt doing the Bakasana until I finally get it.
And it wasn't pretty. I think I literally tried for days. Every morning, still in my birthday suit, I would go through all the preparations necessary; the arms shoulder width apart, tucking your knees up through your armpits, lifting your butt up high, looking forward, etc.
I fell forward many many times. Countless. I was prepared and always landed on a pillow I put before I tried the pose. I fell backwards, hurt my wrists, sweated buckets, etc. My husband even tried coaching me, telling me to find that 'balance' where things just naturally fall into place. Yeah, as if it was that easy.
I had to admit I was at times frustrated. I wanted to NAIL this pose so MUCH. I don't know why - ego? achievement? because I have always thought the pose looked cool? Maybe all three. I just knew that if I could nail this I am happy. I have managed to conquer my upper body.
I kept a routine: a few tries in the morning - maybe 5 or 6 - until my wrists hurt and BEFORe I felt seriously discouraged, and again at night, a couple tries. I always just managed to lift my butt up high and one leg up. Keeping the other leg too was the problem.
Until one day, I got it. I just did. I credit this one YoutTube video of a guy explaining the dynamics of Bakasana with all the center of axis and everything. Yep, I guess I am a true blue engineer after all, of all the Bakasana how-tos out there the ones with a physics explanation reeled me in.
He explained this much, and that is how I managed to nail it: Lift your butt up high to offset your axis. Slowly lean forward - the key is to move your shoulders OVER your wrists - and trust me, once your shoulder goes over, your feet naturally will take flight. And then it's all about stabilizing yourself. I usually try to think about keeping my butt high while focusing on my breathing and my gaze. the first time I did it, I only managed to stay for one second. But I GOT the mechanics. I understood it. The next time it was all about keeping myself steady and stable.
Whew... that was a long explanation. Maybe because I am REALLY happy I got to do a Bakasana. And only after nailing it did I understand the concept of Yoga. Your body will let you do the pose when it is ready. You cannot use brute force. You just need to practice, practice and practice. Trust me, practicing WORKS.
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