While performing head stand, our whole world is turned upside down. The head, which until the practice was occupied with serious and elevated problems, takes the role of the legs and carries the entire body's weight. The legs, which carried the body wherever it wished to go, rise suddenly and observe the world. This posture changes our perspective about life. The physical state is a reflection of a mental happening within us. The longer we spend time with our head closer to the ground and away from the sky, the more we will see reality from a totally different angle. We observe the world upside—down thus we also start to think about it differently.

Starting Position:

Sit in Vajrasana (photo 303).

Emphasis and Awareness:

Sense elongation from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Focus your awareness at the top of the head.

Posture Preparation (photos 55—56):

The purpose of the preparation is to massage the area of the top of the head, flex and warm the nape, readying it for the head stand. The preparation is very effective in focusing the awareness at the top of the head, at the point of the Sahasrara Chakra.

1. Place the top of the head on the ground, a few inches in front of the knees (photo 55).

2. With a deep inhalation roll the head forward so that the buttocks rises (photo 56).

3. With exhalation slowly lower the buttocks towards the heels (photo 55).

4. While inhaling roll your head a bit further forward, bringing the chin close to the chest and feeling elongation at the area of the nape.

5. Repeat this practice 5—7 times.

6. Return to the starting position.

Emphasis and Awareness:

Avoid changing the position of the head — except for the actual rolling movement.

Notice the body's weight on the top of the head.

Make sure not to disengage the legs from the ground.