When life gets a little crazy, David Wilder stands on his head. Wilder, who teaches yoga at Krav Maga in Somers, NY, says that the headstand (or the inverted mountain pose, in yoga-speak) is his way of feeling “grounded and secure and safe, even in a seemingly uncomfortable, scary and perhaps even dangerous situation.”

“Inversions are much like the many challenges of life,” he explains. “There are times when life gets turned upside down. Our mat practice prepares us to navigate the unpredictable waves of life. In headstand, we take the mountain, which is grounded and stable over its center of gravity, and with our imagination and courage we turn it upside down, stabilize it on a surface, and balance it over the center of gravity.” Headstand requires an awareness of where you are and how you’re responding to the environment, he says. It also requires the mind to remain undisturbed from outer distractions. “I love this pose because it lifts my spirit. My mind-body and my physical body work together to give my spirit a ride on the journey of discovery.”

In June 2015, Wilder will be teaching three ongoing Vinyasa Yoga classes at Krav Maga: Mondays 5-6 p.m., Tuesdays 5-6 p.m. and Thursdays 5-6 p.m. The drop-in fee is $20, and the second session is free. (For discounts call 917.364.1487.) All levels, including beginners, are welcome. 

Krav Maga is located at 245 Route 100, Somers, NY. For more info, call 888.456.0476. For updates, connect with David Wilder on Facebook at WilderYogaAndFitness.