A Solid Base

All photos by yours truly.

For a long time, inversions had me nervous. I didn't like the disorienting feeling of being upside down; I felt so heavy, like one wrong move could leave me in a pile on the floor.

Step by step, I've been building a stronger foundation.

Now, I enjoy the set up: building a strong base with clasped hands and flexed forearms, toes tiptoeing in until there's nowhere else to go except up the wall. And the best is that moment where I'm hovering, completely in my own body, nothing but sturdy.

And the freedom in tightening the shoulder blades, drawing them down, creating space for the cervical spine to breathe. That's when I know I'm most free: my whole body on top of me, and yet, no pressure on the neck. 

I was so inspired, smiling as I launched myself upside down, over and over again. I even managed a few headstands in the middle of the living room, too, no wall to fall back on. 

This is the only way we can change ourselves, too: slowly tracing the steps over and over until one day, they are comfortable, easy, normal. Eventually speaking my mind will be as effortless as hanging out upside down. For now, I'm happy knowing I have a foundation to work from.