Casey

Casey, do the asana and focus on where you are lifting. You'll probably feel that you're lifting the sternum up as a focal point. Instead try pullin the belly forward (as opposed to pushing the back up and forward). Where you see the extreme bend in your back is your natural ease spot, so that will come without the focus on the up sternum. If you pull the pelvis forward as a focus you should get a more even bend in the back and open up the belly and pelvic area. I hope this helps. xo