It might seem a little strange to say that one particular category of yoga poses makes me a better mom, but that’s exactly how I feel about arm balances.

Of course, yoga as a whole makes me a better mother—the physical practice as a whole, the  philosophy, taking time for self care, the mindfulness component… I’m convinced that the whole package is what has helped me through my most difficult moments of motherhood. 

But there’s something about arm balances. This category of challenging poses has really brought some of the lessons to life for me. It’s like the knowing is alive in my body, permeating my cells in a way that takes intellectual knowing to a whole other level.

Don’t believe me? We’re exploring these postures in detail the whole month of July in my virtual Zoom classes. I’d love to have you join in. Register here now. 

5 Lessons I’ve Learned from Practicing Arm Balances

Humility. 

I admit that this is a lesson I needed more when I was a beginning yoga student in my 20s, but the experience of falling on my face a few hundred times was a humbling experience.It prepared me for the much MORE humbling experience of motherhood. 

I can do hard things.

Arm balances did not come easily to me. I could have said, “Welp! This is impossible!,” thrown up my hands, and given up right then and there. But enough wise yoga teachers promised that even if I didn’t make the pose happen right away, it was worth working toward it. So I worked steadily for many years to build the necessary strength and skill. It taught me that I can do things that seem impossible. I come back to arm balances time and time again when I need a reminder of this (which is often now that I’m a mom!). 

Everything is figureoutable.

Yes, I am quoting Marie Forleo here (smart lady!) because this is exactly the lesson you need to learn in order to get the hang of arm balances. It’s not just about having the physical strength to do these postures–it’s about understanding where to place your hands and your legs, and how to use leverage to lift your feet off the floor.

Integration. 

Don’t let the name fool you. These poses look like they’re all about the arms, but that’s not true. You have to learn to use so many muscles to make them happen–the core, shoulders, hips, legs, feet–basically the whole body! Life lesson: If you don’t want to feel burnt out, make sure you spread out your effort so no one thing gets overtaxed.

Confidence + Trust yo’self.

This is the MOST important piece of the puzzle for me. As moms, we question ourselves so much. We look to healthcare providers, experts, friends, bloggers–so many people who are doling out advice–to help us with the toughest parts of parenting. Poses like arm balances have helped me to learn to have confidence in my inner guide and trust myself so much more.