can't grab my elbows each other

Hello Shakti

Thank you very much for the compliments. I so appreciate hearing that and am happy to be here to help. You have really been laying the groundwork for some incredible change. Sometimes it is hard to:
a) Be patient when there is an expectation that things *should* be running to some kind of imagined script or
b) Accept that your body is unique and has its own timetable for change.

We are all here hopefully open and receptive to the changes that the universe has in store for us….

But now down to technique:

Clearly (and as you have noticed) putting strain on your neck is not the way to go! 😉 You are approaching this pose perfectly. Just let go of the expectation that you *should* do it with your hands on your elbows but simply have the intention that they will get there. Allow yourself to notice the smallest change in grip over time.

Thank you Edge for your point of view! Shoulders on the mat is correct.

As an aside: I am quite flexible and yet I know EXACTLY the feeling you are describing. After I gave birth, my pelvis and hip region changed so much that for well over 6 months I COULD NOT grab my elbows and had to grab my wrists. Such was the change in my body. I am now able to do it and so I guess conditions for me made it possible. Whether or not that means that you too will get there one day, it is hard to say. I do know that paying attention to technique in all poses will help you in this one too. You may consider some bodywork to help open that area. If your teacher is amenable perhaps they will apply some gentle pressure for you on your legs from time to time. You may need to ask them if they are willing to do that. Otherwise ask one of your fellow yogis to help you after class. Try going to a yin yoga class or practice some deep yin yoga stretches after your class when your body is beautifully warmed right through.

Setting up your active stretches in poses like Floor head to knee, and both paschimottanasana poses and Hands to Feet pose will help open up your hips in the process. Simply put, active stretches are pushing against the pull and pulling against the push forces. If you have questions about how to do that, check out the pose postings and see what you can get out of them. The same principle is also set out in my blog posting: Opening up your hamstrings with hot yoga. Get back to me if you need more answers. And if it has to do with the set-up of those other poses, you may like to ask me in those categories!

As with all poses, always try to take the struggle out. Challenge is fine but strain and tension are to be avoided. Accept your body and surrender the muscles that are not needed in the pose. Check that you are trying to draw your knees towards each other as well.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂