The Art of Inversions

Turning the world upside down

In Ashtanga Yoga there are 8 limbs including yamas (moral disciplines), niyamas (positive duties), asana (yoga postures), pranyama (breathing techniques), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dhrana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (bliss).

✿✿✿

For myself, inversions started as a goal to simply achieve a handstand but as I learned more about yoga, myself and my body I learned that this was a journey that was so much more than just a posture.

When I practice inversions, especially the handstand, I have learned about consistency, persistence and balance. Even more so I have learned to be in a meditative state and focus on my pranyama or breath control.

✿✿✿

One of my greatest struggles in holding my handstand was learning to trust myself. After taking my teacher training I soon discovered that I actually could do a handstand with no support, but I simply didn't believe in myself. Now it is over a year later and it is still a journey and a path that is non-linear. Some days I can hold my handstand and some days I can't, but now I know its more mental and emotional than physical. I have more alignment, balance and control of my mind and body than I did previously and there is so much room to continue to progress.

Another challenge was learning to relax, let go of control and learning to surrender. This allowed me to adapt to changes on different days, let myself be vulnerable and meet myself where I am at. In letting go I was able to open my heart up and cultivate playfulness, creativity and exploration.

✿✿✿

If I fall down (or go too far over) I have learned to catch myself, fall gracefully and get back up to try again.

As I learn to hold space for myself I continue to embrace my whole being and mind. I have started to incorporate more and more aspects of ashtanga yoga into my practice of inversions and into my life.

It has also been important for me to continue my practice of sun salutations and meditation, remembering that the foundation needs to be strong and not to get too caught up in achieving a handstand.

✿✿✿

One thing that stuck with me from my yoga teacher training was developing a shift in perspective through inversions. I have taken this beyond my practice and incorporated a shift in perspective in many different aspects of my life. I have shifted my perspective mentally — learning that obstacles and challenges are an ability to grow and reframing my thoughts to incorporate a positive mindset.

✿✿✿

Now that I can consistently find my handstand I can continue to build strength (mentally and physically), longer holds (remembering to breathe!!) and more control on the way up and down. Also fun shapes, balancing on blocks and more flexibility 😊 Very excited and proud of myself!!!