I have a particular dream sometimes, and I always wake up happy. And not only happy; I wake up with the most satisfying feeling of peace and contentment I have ever felt. In my dream, I watch my hands as they approach the earth, usually grass, but sometimes firm sand, and occasionally a wood floor, glossy and bright, just like a yoga studio. The light is a muted brightness, and the edges of my view are fuzzy, such that only my hands are truly in focus. As I observe my hands, I gently kick my legs up into the air above them. I balance. My legs and feet sway slightly, but I balance. In my dream, it is effortless. I am aware, in my dream-consciousness, that this is the first time I have been able to balance in a handstand without the necessity of a wall. I am pleased, and satisfied, as my body seems to float, straight into the air, strong and free.
In the dream, I never come down from the handstand, I hold it until my dreams take me somewhere else. But it always feels like this is the dream immediately prior to waking. I wake rested, and still so pleased. It doesn't take long for me to realize that it was only a dream, but instead of being sad that I can only do this handstand in my dream, I recognize that I want the dream.
And so I practice. One of these days, this will come true for me. And when it does, I will continue to practice, every day.
