On Finding Stillness in Headstand

Photos via Pinterest.

I'm always amazed at the way the experience of a yoga pose changes over time. While it can take years to make peace with certain asanas, sometimes we come to class and unexpectedly find that our perspective has shifted.

Yesterday in class, we worked on headstand...and I, without freaking out, without a partner to spot me, simply placed my hands on my shoulders, elbows to the floor, head cradled into the palms, pushed up onto the toes, walked the hips over the shoulders, brought the feet off the ground... 

In short, I did the handstand, no wall, no overreacting, no being distracted by the other yogis around me.

I felt blissfully present, aware, and calm as I experienced the inversion in its fullness.

In case this doesn't sound like a big deal, let me tell you: this is way different than how I used to feel about the pose. It used to be that in the moments leading up to trying headstand, I'd get all nervous and stressed out. My mind would light up with activity and worry. I'd lose my focus.

Last night, though, finding the pose felt like a natural part of the flow in class. I simply listened to the teacher's words, stayed present in my meditation, and found my toes floating toward the ceiling. And then I breathed and stayed in it, and felt so relieved and at peace. Even when I fell out, I persisted; instead of getting discouraged, I enjoyed the process, the practice.

Turns out, being upside down was right where I was supposed to be.

Afterward, I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude... for the way my amazing teachers have taught me to be patience in the practice and to let go of fear. For the beautiful studios where I've felt at home (shoutout to Dharma Yoga Evanston, and a special thanks to my latest favorite, East Wind Roseville!)

Thank you, yoga. Thank you, teachers. Thank you, fellow yogis. Thank you, studios who make a difference! Namaste.

And now, for practicing lifting both legs at the same time... or balancing on only the head and the fingertips... :)

PS Read this post to learn how to do a headstand the right way.