At first it was really annoying and i felt like i was being held back, but now i love that it has given me a chance to really get more in touch with my body … i don’t envy others doing headstands any more … i still get everything i need from my practice…

Unfortunately one of my yoga teachers has given me subtle hints that he is annoyed with my “plateau”, so much so that i have cut his classes from my schedule … at the end of the day its my practice no one else’s … just like its your practice, do what feels right for you : )

I recall an instructor saying something that resonated with me. Since all our bodies are built differently not every body will be able to do every position and the general rule being that everyone looks different in the same position. You can practice for your whole life and your body will still have its limits: due to bone structure, bone placement and in your case your discs.

That being said, keep moving forward and try new things. You can get past your plateau, it just may look different for you than you are able to see at the present moment. Enjoy the journey and practice along the way and the fear will naturally dissolve. When the moment strikes you try some of the more advanced moves you talk about. Of course be safe, have an instructor or classmate support you so you can gain a feel for a new position before holding it yourself. I have heard of people practicing this way for a long time before ever holding said new position on their own.

Since you are an instructor yourself perhaps there is a workshop specifically related to this, working past fear and getting into more advanced positions. If there is not, you could enroll other more advanced instructors about creating one – then you can attend it.

I have also found other ‘training’ methods useful to work through my developed fears and letting go of the ego, such as reading a book like ‘A New Earth’ or taking a leadership seminar/forum through a local company. Finding a long lost hobby such as taking an art class or buying a bike and riding it may also open up your mind in ways that can help you be more expressive in your yoga practice.

Balance = Diversity. Good Luck my friend.

Then I decided to step away from the wall. I did some cartwheels in the studio. I pretended I was 5 and did some little running jumps up into handstand like I used to do in my yard all summer long. Soon enough I was up! My wrists did not snap. My forearms did not crumble. My hips were not cannonballs.

Then I went to the wall. A little kick and up I was!

I’m still working on them, but the fear is gone. The mind chatter is gone. And I try to practice them in my yard whenever possible, using a sturdy old tree for balance.

So, maybe taking your practice outside or to the beach or the woods will get you over that hump.

Good luck!