Tips on Mastering Handstand + A Class with Kathryn Budig!

Any yoga pose can be done in an inspired way. In fact, the more inspiration you put into it, the better the pose. (This goes for Savasana too, yo.) Be present, breathe, look inward, breathe … be inspired. This is yoga!

Nevertheless, most of us yogis aspire toward the more advanced asanas, and one that usually comes right to mind is Handstand: Adho Mukha Vrksasana. Downward-Facing Tree. In which your hands and fingers are the branches reaching down into the ground, and your feet and toes the roots reaching for the sky. There’s nothing like it for a new perspective — on yourself and on life in general.

Handstand is not a pose that comes naturally to most of us. We have all kinds of preconceived notions about ourselves, about our capabilities, heck, even about gravity. Turning completely upside down — even at the wall, nevermind in the middle of the room — is a tad unnerving.

So what is required to get there?

You know some of it: core alignment, mindfulness, a solid foundation, focus, visualization, a sense of adventure and daring. But a good yoga teacher is also crucial in helping most of us achieve this pose.

There’s that “a-ha” moment when a teacher offers just the tip you need, the one subtle action that, once you heed it, becomes a game changer. It might be that you tap a bit more deeply into your core strength, or that you get your hips a little bit higher before kicking up, that you spread your fingers and straighten your arms, or that you consciously lengthen your spine. And lo! You’re in Handstand … or certainly closer than you’ve ever been. It’s a fantastic feeling. You’re on your way!

Kathryn Budig deeply understands the process of building up to a challenging pose and will lead you there. She is renowned for her passion and skill in guiding her students into challenging asanas. Ms. Budig, seen on the cover of Yoga Journal and in ToeSox ads, could be known as “She who not only gracefully executes but also brilliantly teaches Handstands.” She will invite you to go beyond your fear, to carefully yet playfully work toward a full Handstand.

Hanuman Presents is bringing Kathryn to Colorado the weekend of March 15 – 17. She will be leading master flow classes in Denver and Boulder as well as a couple of workshops in Boulder focusing on arm balances and inversions. Each two-hour class guarantees something unique and inspirational for any level yogi — from newbies to those who are able to gracefully leap into Titibasana (Firefly Pose). Classes will be held at Kindness Yoga studio in Denver and Radiance Yoga in Boulder.

Feeling inspired and ready to play? Learn more about the event here. See you there!