It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing … time to share another of my most favorite things in the world.
And this time around, it’s #favethingsfriday — Yoga Edition! That’s right, I’m talking about my favorite yoga pose.
Honestly, this one can’t be a shocker to you. I mean, if you’ve followed or known me for more than like 5 minutes you already know that I’m gonna say handstand is my fave.
But for realz tho, handstand is my jam. I do it every single day — indoors, outdoors, in all types of weather, during a run, in every city I visit, one-handed, two-handed, as a form of locomotion, as a semi-insane pushup variation, and sometimes I even do it on top of a surfboard on the beach (like this one at a recent She SUPs the Globe retreat – BTW thanks to my girl Allison for the sweet 📷 catch).
Handstand has been a huge challenge for me. In fact, it’s taken me years of consistent and diligent work to get to where I am now and I still won’t say that I’ve mastered it. It’s been a long and frustrating journey and I could’ve given up a thousand times. But I didn’t.
The process has not only helped me heal my lower back and develop strong, stable, and healthy shoulders but my posture, my weightlifting, and my running form have all improved significantly from trying to learn to support myself upside down.
And while the physical benefits are awesome, the rewards extend far beyond. I’ve learned to trust myself more, set better boundaries, stop overthinking everything all the time and just be in the moment. But perhaps most importantly, handstand reminds me to stop taking everything so seriously — including myself. And that sometimes it’s okay to do things just for the sheer joy they bring. To enjoy the process, not just the results.
Handstand is both incredibly frustrating and empowering. And that’s why I love it. The best things in life rarely come easy and handstand is no exception. So for as long as I’m able, I’ll keep at it.
Life is short, handstand often.
If you’re in the DC Metro Area, I’d love to show you show you some ways to progress your handstand. Join me on Saturday, May 26th at 2PM Thrive Yoga in Rockville, MD for my wall-less handstand workshop.
Not local? No problem! For help with your handstands, check out this video I did for Fit Bottomed Zen.
What’s your favorite yoga pose and why?