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Devotees of this peculiar pastime insist there's nothing more blissful than hanging from hooks laced through your skin. But did I have the guts to try it myself?

Suspension is a 5,000-year-old religious practice originating in India. Here in the United States, the Mandan tribe of the Missouri River performed suspensions as a young warrior's rite of passage ceremony to test endurance and celebrate the earth. The form of modern-day suspension is not overtly religious, but more of a spiritual meditation to cleanse one's body and mind of everyday problems. 
Cere Coichetti has been practicing suspension since his friend Brian introduced him to the practice in early 2001. He and his cohorts have helped grow the suspension community from a small handful of practitioners to thousands of people throughout the country. Later, he founded a group called "White Flag." Coichetti believes suspension is for everyone, and anyone wanting to join in the experience is welcome. 

Read the full story here.

Photography and article by Joe Carrotta. 

Sophie Brill

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