michelina teti

This year I am going upside down.

Sure, it looks cool. But for me – this goal represents a commitment to my practice and a reminder to challenge myself and push my practice.

I declared this goal a while back. I shared it with my best friend (and yoga teacher) who sends me tips via text from her trainings and classes all the way out east. I shared it with my office friends - who are now scheduling in headstand parties in our work agenda.

But I still haven’t gone upside down. It’s freaking terrifying – you know?

I had declared the goal but I hadn’t even brought my feet of the ground.

fast forward a few weeks…

I’m in yoga. Dustin is teaching. He’s awesome. It was sweaty.

A seventy-five minute power class led in a very small studio room. It’s not a hot practice but the sweat and movement in the room has bumped the temperature up a ton.

In the middle of the class we brought our mats to the wall. Dustin led us through some steps to get into our inversion with the support of the wall.

I was totally faking it – half kicking – so I get close but didn’t quite make it upside down. Because well – if I made it upside down – who knew if I was going to be able to stay there? Or was I going to crumble down in front of all the other talented yogis in the room. Seriously Vancouver, you’ve got a killer yoga scene.

But then out of no where – the strong voice and the power of his body (you can feel that energy coming you way) pops on over and asks: “Can I help?”.

Yes!

So we did it. With the support of one of the most badass yogis in the city (and a little wall) I was in a handstand.

just a bit of ferris wheel

Sometimes you need to stop your day and have a headstand party @alanamairs @mluther9 (at lululemon Yoga Room)

this is my work: oh you know, just the most amazing and inspiring runners and yogis out there. (at lululemon SSC)

she’s a beaut! (at Olympic Village)

Laughter and gratitude throughout today’s practice cc: @chrischavezyoga (at Vancouver Convention Centre West)