I really appreciate this one! Headstand has been one of my most challenging poses over the years and I'm continuing to work on strengthening my shoulder/back muscles to help align my body when I go up. I love how you considered headstand as a way to be creative: getting another view of our experience, playing devil's advocate in our writing, etc. I try to approach headstand with curiosity because when I feel angry or stressed when too much weight is on my head, I lost out on the playfulness. Thanks for showing us these multiple ways to get into the pose, too!
That's a great idea! You know, funny though, I only went to an aerial yoga class a few times and had a lot of trouble with my neck. I think I just need more practice. :)
Loved this. I can never manage to get into a headstand. However, as I stretch my body seems to awaken too so the connection from the stretching internally having a cognitive impact certainly happens for me. This is the same with my wing chun practice.
Now that's fascinating. Wing Chun I only know a little about, but I think it comes from Shaolin or is in the same family? I think there must be a lot of crossover between yoga and martial art philosophy. Does one do headstands in Wing Chun? Anyway, it seems you have found your alternatives. :)
No head stands required 😁 Its an unusual martial art as it is (to my knowledge) one of the few that originated from a woman Ng Mui who was a nun and fought to protect China from occupation. Our linkage uses expansion of joints rather than muscular force to create power. So you have to release and expand, internally, before movement happens. There are definite links with tai chi, yoga and other martial arts for sure.
Although I have practised yoga for years, I have never quite made it into a headstand. Even as a child I didn't like the feeling of being upside down! I think I just find it difficult to "let go". Although a recent workplace training based around Jungian psychology informed me that I respond best to situations and ideas rooted to the earth and the tangible - so who knows, maybe I am just predisposed to remaining with two feet on the ground!! 😀 🤔 Enjoyed your video though!
Wow this is so intriguing and fascinating as a connection to the activity! Not trying to push you out of your comfort zone - but if you try the headstand with feet on the ground, you have a ton of your body rooted to the ground. Might fit your vibe! I don’t know!
Thanks, yes, it's worth a try! Actually, my yoga teacher advised something similar a few weeks ago when covering headstands in class, getting those of us 'feeling the fear' to just practice rolling onto the top of our heads whilst our feet were still supporting us. Plus: if it helps creativity, I'm game ;)
I love this! And thank you for including my article and poem! For me, a headstand works a lot better than 50 cups of coffee like Balzac. 😉
I would not survive that! :)
What a wonderful piece of writing to wake up to. Thank you for this 💕
Thanks Matt! Hope the upside down journey serves you today ☺️
I really appreciate this one! Headstand has been one of my most challenging poses over the years and I'm continuing to work on strengthening my shoulder/back muscles to help align my body when I go up. I love how you considered headstand as a way to be creative: getting another view of our experience, playing devil's advocate in our writing, etc. I try to approach headstand with curiosity because when I feel angry or stressed when too much weight is on my head, I lost out on the playfulness. Thanks for showing us these multiple ways to get into the pose, too!
So happy this works for you Kate, both the inversions and metaphor! There are so many ways to adapt this as well. I hope it helps!
"You are old, Father William, the young man said
And your hair has become very white.
And yet you incessantly stand on your head.
Do you think at your age it is right?"
"In my youth", Father William replied to his son
"I thought it might injure the brain.
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none
Why, I do it again and again!"
-- Lewis Carroll
Sorry, couldn't resist. 🤣
Always making connections! Thanks Terry.
😁
I love being inverted but I have neck issues...the aerial hammock is a superb alternative 💖🙏🏼
That's a great idea! You know, funny though, I only went to an aerial yoga class a few times and had a lot of trouble with my neck. I think I just need more practice. :)
There are definitely some ways the hammock is used in classes I would avoid for neck issues.
Loved this. I can never manage to get into a headstand. However, as I stretch my body seems to awaken too so the connection from the stretching internally having a cognitive impact certainly happens for me. This is the same with my wing chun practice.
Now that's fascinating. Wing Chun I only know a little about, but I think it comes from Shaolin or is in the same family? I think there must be a lot of crossover between yoga and martial art philosophy. Does one do headstands in Wing Chun? Anyway, it seems you have found your alternatives. :)
No head stands required 😁 Its an unusual martial art as it is (to my knowledge) one of the few that originated from a woman Ng Mui who was a nun and fought to protect China from occupation. Our linkage uses expansion of joints rather than muscular force to create power. So you have to release and expand, internally, before movement happens. There are definite links with tai chi, yoga and other martial arts for sure.
Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing! I’ve got to check out some videos 😁
Although I have practised yoga for years, I have never quite made it into a headstand. Even as a child I didn't like the feeling of being upside down! I think I just find it difficult to "let go". Although a recent workplace training based around Jungian psychology informed me that I respond best to situations and ideas rooted to the earth and the tangible - so who knows, maybe I am just predisposed to remaining with two feet on the ground!! 😀 🤔 Enjoyed your video though!
Wow this is so intriguing and fascinating as a connection to the activity! Not trying to push you out of your comfort zone - but if you try the headstand with feet on the ground, you have a ton of your body rooted to the ground. Might fit your vibe! I don’t know!
Thanks, yes, it's worth a try! Actually, my yoga teacher advised something similar a few weeks ago when covering headstands in class, getting those of us 'feeling the fear' to just practice rolling onto the top of our heads whilst our feet were still supporting us. Plus: if it helps creativity, I'm game ;)
Only if it feels right! :)