Strength and Stillness: Supported Headstand with Bettina

Student practicing supported headstand (Salamba Śīrṣāsana) at the wall with legs fully extended and forearms on blocks.

Here’s a beautiful moment from this week’s class — my student Bettina holding a supported Salamba Śīrṣāsana (Headstand) with grace and quiet strength.

We built up to this shape slowly, first working with a tucked position and using cork blocks under the forearms to support the shoulders. From there, Bettina extended her legs upward with calm focus, staying connected to her breath throughout.

This pose isn’t about performing — it’s about:

  • grounding through your foundation
  • lifting with softness
  • and finding a sense of stillness even when upside down

Headstands can feel intimidating, but when approached mindfully and with the right props, they become accessible, safe, and even joyful.

If you’re curious about inversions — or want to learn how to support your neck and shoulders properly — join me in a class or book a 1:1 session. You don’t need to get upside down to benefit.

See you on the mat!

Smitha