Woke early, around 0430 and that was the time for today’s practice. The introduction of the shoulderstand, my favourite posture. Since the Kripalu Teacher Training Course I have much prefered the half shoulderstand. It is much easier on the neck, the weight being taken by the shoulders and elbows and is therefore far safer. And it can be done safely by almost everyone, and without props. If I include it in a routine, it enhances the practice and I feel the effects throughout the day, a lasting peace, clarity, relaxation. Just from inverting the body for a minute, or five.

It’s the all-day hike today so in a little bit of a rush to write. We are headed toward Weatherlam…

Hittleman:

The heart is usually pumping against gravity to circulate blood to the vital organs and glands situated above it. With the body in the inverted positions, those organs and glands are now below the heart. The effect of this simple manoeuvre on the entire organism is truly remarkable.

From Krishnamurti, Book of Life, 13 January:

Learning is always in the active present; it has no past.