They look nervously at the cameras. The prize, they are told, is beyond description, but "it is what everyone wants!" The first question is asked: "Who are you?" The fastest contestant with the buzzer rings in - "Michelle!" they cry out confidently. BUZZ - the sound for the wrong answer rings out loudly. Another contestant seizes the moment and squeezes their buzzer. "A Man!" he states with utmost confidence. BUZZ - wrong again.
Handstand is one of those yoga poses (asana) that's wrapped in myth-that is, myth of our own making. Some see it as the Everest of asana-something only the most experienced practitioners get to summit. Others see it as a party trick-flashy, impressive, maybe even a little indulgent. But think back to being a kid-throwing yourself upside down on the grass, tumbling through the air, not caring whether you stuck the landing or rolled out laughing. That spirit is the embodiment of Handstand.
Ever feel like you're doing all the yoga, but still getting stuck in stress, anxiety, or that annoying mental spiral at 2AM? You might be dealing with the Kleshas - the hidden blockers in your brain that yoga philosophy has been calling out for thousands of years (long before your therapist said, "Let's unpack that"). In this guide, we're breaking down the 5 Kleshas in a way that feels modern, relatable, and totally TikTok-worthy - with zero Sanskrit degree required.