Working toward greater range of flexibility

In my practice I've struggled to gain a greater range of flexibility in my upper spine, between my shoulders and bottom of my rib cage. Similar to many people, this is where I hold a lot of tension. My shoulders creep up and forward to my ears. It's a tug-a-war with my body to relax and lengthen my spine as I work toward more articulation between each vertebra of my spine.  

Here is a video clip from Rome, where you can see ALESSANDRA Rusciano demonstrate a beautiful and expansive spine articulation and calmness of working from the inside out.