I can do a handstand! I’m 48 and I’ve never said that before.
We learned in class the other day. Rob said to try it if you’re ready, and I thought, no way, that’s not going to happen for me. Like playing in the NBA, like leaping from the Eiffel Tower and landing on two feet, like flying to Mars. That’s where handstands belonged for me.
Then. We discuss. We prepare. We approach. We inhale one foot up, and exhale the other up. Okay, I have to fling mine up.) First try, no go. Which is understandable because it’s about 75 miles from the floor to the wall when you’re upside down.
Second try, same thing. Third try, same thing. Then Rob comes over to help. Just slightly, by showing my feet where the wall is.
“Look at a point on the floor between your hands this time,” he says.
And on my fifth try, I fly to Mars. I swear to God, that’s what it feels like. And yes, my ribs are half way across the room, and yes, I need to reach with my heels. I need to do about 300 things to improve my form, but I DID IT!!!!!! The NBA, the Eiffel Tower. A handstand.
I read somewhere in Yoga Journal that a Handstand can change your life–they’re right! It has. I feel invincible.
Have you tried? Do you hope to? Is this old hat for you? Do you love it? Tell me, please.
Thanks to handstand for changing my life, and thanks to you for the conversation.
Kristin Shepherd lives in North Bay, Ontario. She is a chiropractor, workshop facilitator, actor, writer, and parent of two grown children and a perpetually infantile dog. Check her out at kristinshepherd.ca or on Facebook at Dr. Kristin Shepherd.