Hi,
I have some days when a conventional headstand (head down in between interlaced fingers) is easy, and some days, like today, when I keep falling over.
Why is this? I am capable if it but some days it seems like my balance centres need recalibrating or something like that.
Has anyone else had this issue? Some days easy peesy, some days it is just not happening?
Thanks for any help,
Sophie 
Hello Sophie,
There are many variables that effect our living. Just as our moods change so too does our asana practice. For this reason, and others, the focus of yoga when approached through asana is not one of performance but one of exploration.
True there are physiological and psychological benefits in Sirsasana. However the effort of approaching the pose (moving towards its full expression), the intention in which that effort is wrapped, and the opportunity to know one’s self more fully, these things are the bigger picture things.
For what it’s worth I’ve been exploring this as well and have found that in some instances I am able to come right up and other times not so much - and I have been practicing for more than a decade but not all at one time:-)
For me it is a combination of thoughts, nutrition, and rest, though alignment, toxins, and subluxation in the spine can certainly contribute. What it actually is for you only you can determine. Have fun in doing so.
gordon
Sophie,
From personal experience, I find that on the days I work my abdominal muscles more, I have more stamina and stability in my headstands. So much of yoga balance lies in the strength of “core” (abdominal and back muscles).
Also, as I’m sure you have heard a million times before- every day is different so every practice will be too. Some days I have to hold tree at my ankle while others I can get in and out of half bound lotus standing forward bend with ease! Same goes for my headstands- some days I pop into them, others no-can-do. Be patient and kind with yourself- don’t judge or compare one day’s practice with the next or the one before. Yoga is a life long practice.
-
we different every day… one day your balance is good, another day your feel string , and sometimes we feel like do nothing at all:)
-
i won’t interlace fingers…
[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;78605]Hello Sophie,
There are many variables that effect our living. Just as our moods change so too does our asana practice. For this reason, and others, the focus of yoga when approached through asana is not one of performance but one of exploration.
True there are physiological and psychological benefits in Sirsasana. However the effort of approaching the pose (moving towards its full expression), the intention in which that effort is wrapped, and the opportunity to know one’s self more fully, these things are the bigger picture things.
For what it’s worth I’ve been exploring this as well and have found that in some instances I am able to come right up and other times not so much - and I have been practicing for more than a decade but not all at one time:-)
For me it is a combination of thoughts, nutrition, and rest, though alignment, toxins, and subluxation in the spine can certainly contribute. What it actually is for you only you can determine. Have fun in doing so.
gordon[/QUOTE]
Hi Gordon,
Thanks for the response, that really made a lot of sense. It really is about the journey, not the result, you are right, and what we discover along the way. As we expand our yoga off the mat, I can see similarities, ie. if I cannot do something at work, I get frustrated, and the same happens in my asana practice, but at least the asana has taught me that sometimes we need to step back, take a few deep breaths, acknowledge our body’s limitations on that day, and either try again or give it a rest. Same can be applied in the work place or any other aspect of life really.
Funnily enough, i went into it today with ease. Yesterday it really wasn’t happening. And strangely, yesterday was one of those days where I kept bumping into people on the street, stumbling my words a little at times, etc. Its like my energy pathways were somehow blocked and during my sleep last night, the blockages were released.
I think there may be an element of ego here as well, the desire to be great at all aspects of asana, but this is also a work in progress for me. I am slowly learning how my body works and how to achieve the best health benefits in each pose, so concentrating on alignment rather than depth.
There is so much more to yoga than asana, and I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to explore this now!
Thanks again,
Sophie
[QUOTE=CityMonk;78630]- we different every day… one day your balance is good, another day your feel string , and sometimes we feel like do nothing at all:)
- i won’t interlace fingers…[/QUOTE]
Hi,
Thanks for your response, yes I agree every day is different, no? But you dont’interlace fingers? Wow, I have never tried this. Do you just press your hands together instead?
Sophie
[QUOTE=jessiesays;78607]Sophie,
From personal experience, I find that on the days I work my abdominal muscles more, I have more stamina and stability in my headstands. So much of yoga balance lies in the strength of “core” (abdominal and back muscles).
Also, as I’m sure you have heard a million times before- every day is different so every practice will be too. Some days I have to hold tree at my ankle while others I can get in and out of half bound lotus standing forward bend with ease! Same goes for my headstands- some days I pop into them, others no-can-do. Be patient and kind with yourself- don’t judge or compare one day’s practice with the next or the one before. Yoga is a life long practice.[/QUOTE]
Hi,
Oh thank you for your kind words and encoureagement, I really appreciate it. I also have similar issues with balancing poses like tree, it really is quite funny. Strength poses are no problem but ones that require deep concentration and balance can really vary from day to day.
thanks again,
Sophie
I would not not interlacemy fingers, what if you fall over? Maybe neck damage?
I dont know now cause i have only fall over in the begining with interlaced fingers , problem is that you write this and some beginner tries it and hurt their neck for life just because of your writing ,if they fall over. I might be wrong about this injury but it sounds dangerous if falling over as interlocking would protect the neck from moving to much also the techers in india teach with interlock and experimenting when its about the neck is stupid as an injury there would be fatal for life.
Doing headstand after 1 hour of asana will be more difficult as all small muscles are tired. If you try to do it for lets say 3 times before any asanas then after third time your muscles will be tired and it will not work. Unless your physics is really strong. The taller you are the more difficult as well.