Flat Hand, Sore Wrist

Ashtanga 30 - 30 straight days of practice, 10 to go till this is officially a habit!

I think I’m really finding my groove again, which is good as I was getting a little concerned that NY had broken me. That Guruji and family + 300 Ashtanga addicts + Manhattan energy level is addictive!

I changed my focus this morning. I hit the mat at 5:30 and really tried to focus on my hands. I noted yesterday as I was working on Bhujapidasana that my hands were cupping as I put weight on them. So, today through all of the asana and vinyasa I really focused on keeping my hands flat and fingers spread wide. About half way through practice it became very challenging to keep my hands flat and I began to feel some pain in my wrist. With this observation I came to the conclusion that I must be cupping my hand to save my wrist from strain. I’m not sure what to do about this but at least I am aware of it. I keep the flat focus throughout the practice and will continue to do so with the intention of building up some of the wrist and hand muscles. I think that this will assist with my jump throughs and eventually with Urdhva Dhanurasana.

The rest of practice went smoothly. I did try the technique where you bend your knee to get the proper hand placement in Parivritta Parsvakonasana and then lift up into the lunge, but I lost my balance. I’ve tried this before and yes, I can get a better hand placement, but I have the hardest time staying up in the asana. I am also having some knee issues with both Ardha Baddhas and Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana.

Matthew gave me some pointers with Navasana and the “bump up” that I needed to hear. I’m usually so out of it by Navasana that I am a little sloppy. It was good that he came over as it checked me and brought me back into focus.

I ended trying Bhujapidasana. I had a bit more control than yesterday but still got caught up on my feet.