The Path Toward Handstand
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Photos by me.
I'm resolute to master handstand.
I've recently learned something important: I'm at the beginning. In order for me to hold myself in an inversion that intense, I first need to build a foundation of strength and flexibility in my wrists and hands.
So I've been practicing the exercises in this video, as well as reminding myself that handstand isn't as big a deal as I sometimes want to make it. After I (like many of us in the yoga blogger world) saw that Yoga by Equinox video with Briohny Smith practicing amazing presses into handstand in her underwear, I really wished I could do that.
But, like everything in yoga, handstands take time. So I'm committing to be patient, build a strong base, and enjoy the process.
More than anything, I've been trying to encourage myself along the way and smile at all the little victories -- like feeling my hands grow stronger, watching my fear diminish, and feeling that rush of being upside down, even if it's only for a second or two to start.
So I've been practicing the exercises in this video, as well as reminding myself that handstand isn't as big a deal as I sometimes want to make it. After I (like many of us in the yoga blogger world) saw that Yoga by Equinox video with Briohny Smith practicing amazing presses into handstand in her underwear, I really wished I could do that.
But, like everything in yoga, handstands take time. So I'm committing to be patient, build a strong base, and enjoy the process.
More than anything, I've been trying to encourage myself along the way and smile at all the little victories -- like feeling my hands grow stronger, watching my fear diminish, and feeling that rush of being upside down, even if it's only for a second or two to start.
Here are a couple more videos from Mike Taylor and Tara Stiles that have helped. I love how she keeps a positive and light attitude about things. After all, whether or not you can do a handstand doesn't determine your abilities as a yogi. :)
