On Going Upside-Down and Trust

I’ve wanted to learn how to do this headstand since I was a child, but I lacked the patience. Slowly at first, with major assistance from the wall, I made it. Exhilarated in this cheater version I was encouraged to try it without the wall. Slowly I pulled myself away from the wall. Eventually, I could pop up without so much as brushing it with my toe.

Then I eliminated the wall altogether. Suddenly without my crutch, visions of leaning too far over and landing hard on my back kept me from trying. Matt helped me practice a few days. Then I tried again while he was at work.

The first time I reached a full headstand without any assistance, I became so excited that I did, indeed, lose focus and fall over. But then I relaxed myself enough to realize that when my back is straight enough, my legs almost pop up off the ground involuntarily. My body knows what to do, it was my mind that was getting in the way.

I seem to learn this lesson over and over again: Trust. 

Trust my instincts. Trust my strength. Trust my body and everything else will come.

Once I pushed my introversion aside and actively sought out new friends in college, I met Matt. Once I finally let go of the fear of failing for the umpteenth time, I qualified for Boston.

Once I became comfortable with being slightly uncomfortable, I realized what an exhilarating and rewarding place it can be.