Goddess Pose for a Busy Mama

Yesterday was a powerhouse day at work, so today I focused my yoga practice on Goddess Pose as a way to recharge. This beginner-level pose goes by a few names, depending on your source: Integrative Yoga Therapy's Yoga Toolbox offers the cactus-armed version of Deviasana, while other sources such as PocketYoga refer to the prayer-hands version of Utkata Konasanas. If you're new to yoga, don't be discouraged if you hear different names for different versions or interpretations of a pose. The more frequently you practice, the more comfortable you'll become hearing the various names and terms in context. Keep at it, yogis! PocketYoga's pose gallery and Yoga Journal's pose library are quick online resources to find breakdowns of poses and compare variations. I especially appreciate PocketYoga for its clarity and clear images (plus there's no membership fee to view their pose gallery -- Woo hoo!).

Personally, my favorite version of Goddess Pose is with cactus arms because it makes me feel immediately strong, energized, and focused. This pose combines strength with softness and is associated with Mother Nature, wisdom, creativity, transformation, protection, abundance, beauty, and health (Integrative Yoga Therapy, 2015). I love that this pose is so accessible to yogis at every level due its numerous modifications. My littlest one likes this pose a lot, too, and he's been on a recent streak of Goddess Pose. It's so cute to see him in his wide-legged squat as he excitedly tries out different arm variations!

This is one of my favorite poses these days. For a busy working mom, it's refreshing to have an easy source of rejuvenation like Goddess Pose. It's a pose of enduring strength, which reminds me of the Lord's strength in Isaiah 40.29: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." This verse is also a source of immediate rejuvenation for me. It's comforting to know that even at our weakest moments, God will give us the strength we need. For those of us who sometimes feel anxious about the future, this verse can bring a sense of calm. I appreciate that our Lord watches over us always, and I feel less anxious knowing that no matter what I face, God will be there to lend me strength and wisdom.

God's strength is within all of us. These days, I try to focus that strength on my family. Anyone who's raised kiddos can attest to the energy it takes, and I thank God for offering constant sources of positive rejuvenation throughout my day. I couldn't pull it all off without Him.

Here's to wishing every one of you strength and wisdom as you find your own sources of healthy, positive rejuvenation.

Namaste and Blessings,

Tara