I’m really pumped that handstand is the pose of the month! Handstands are awesome. I’ve been working on my handstand, on and off, for 30 years, and I’m just starting to figure it out. (I should say in the middle of that 30 years I took about 25 years off, but I thought it sounded impressive to say I’ve been working on it for 30 years, so I did). Anyway, back to the subject at hand. The thing I’ve learned about handstand over the last 30 years of constant study is that the most important things are to have fun with it, and be present. It’s like this period of suspended animation. There aren’t many people who can hold handstand for that long, so you have this short period of time to be present, breath, and enjoy. I’ve been able to hold handstand for a while away from the wall, but every time I get a little cocky about it and get out of being present I fall. On the other hand, if I stay present, breath, and am fully aware, I’m able to to stay on my hands and make little adjustments in my alignment in order to make the handstand feel better. Having fatigue be the the only reason you come out of handstand is really pretty fun!
So, as you practice handstand this month I invite you to be present with it and have a good time. Move beyond the temporary feelings that can cloud ones mind when thinking about handstand (fear, intimidation…) and find the sweetness and presence of being upside down on your hands. The time you spend there makes absolutely no difference, it’s the quality of the time you are there that matters.
Hey, and if you are really excited about handstands I’m teaching a “Six Weeks To Handstand” series starting next week. The last time I taught this it was totally great. By the end of the six weeks I was so impressed by how far people had come with their handstand. We had people with no handstand experience, and some with years of working on getting better at it — in the end everyone supported one another, had a good time, and learned and moved forward.
So, if you are interested in going deep into learning this posture (which will definitely teach you more about your whole practice) I invite you to sign up for the series soon – it starts next week!
John