Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Handstands and Yoga Highs

There is something about going upside down that people love (or hate). It's an exhilarating rush of blood that heightens the senses and amps up the focus. It's quintessential to what yoga is all about. Many yogis might want to debate me on that point, and I love a good debate, but the lessons I've learned (and information culled) through my handstand practice go far beyond some gymnastics maneuver.

This past weekend I attended an inversion workshop lead by an "Instagram famous" yogi. I say that like he wasn't cool or legit. He totally was, and beyond. The crowd was a mix of young and old(er), myself included in the later. Guys, girls, fiercely strong and freshly minted, all ready to get some new insight for their inversion practice. It was definitely worth the time.

Good music (a lot of Chet Faker) and good vibes. We crawled all over each other's mats like animals (remind me to clean it;). I definitely hit some of the best handstands I've ever done. We covered a lot but my ultimate take away from the class was to keep playing around but respect the foundation your practice is built upon. Strengthen your wrists, forearms, and shoulders. Marinate in the most challenging part of the pose until that becomes easy and then keep going.

I'm a terrible guitarist (self-taught), I've been making my poor family and friend's ears bleed for about 4 years now. I don't care, I love it anyway. To my children's dismay and my surprise, handstands have vastly improved my finger dexterity which has really helped me become a better guitarist. Of course, lessons might help, too.

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