Impostor Syndrome is a deadly virus that kills dreams and stops us dead in our tracks. This deadly disease latched on to me not once, but many times and still rears its ugly head every once in a while. Luckily I can combat it with yoga power poses!
Recently, I felt it when I returned back to doing one of the healing modalities I love – Massage Therapy. As a massage therapist, yoga teacher AND yoga spa owner I am able to serve others with their health and wellness. And, in turn, this brings meaning and purpose to my life!
During the Covid 19 quarantine I was unable to practice massage on a regular basis. After two months passed by without seeing a single client I began taking clients again.
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The moment I worked with my first new client, it hit me like a brick.
Imposter Syndrome began with small internal dialogues of,
“Do you even know what you are doing?”
“It’s been too long since you have seen a client, how could you possibly massage the same?”
“Your client most likely received a massage better than yours.”
As I continued working with clients the Impostor Syndrome banter would also continue.
RELATED POST: OVERCOMING IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
Gratefully, I practice meditation and yoga and have tools to use so that this internal banter does not get out of hand. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I didn’t have these practices.
I could listen to hours of internal dialogue about how awful I may be at something that I love to do.
But, of course, the internal dialogue brought would be completely false.
We can take ourselves out with shear stress, worry, reluctance, and fear when we allow Imposter Syndrome to take control.
COMBATING IMPOSTOR SYNDROME WITH YOGA
One of the tools I use to combat this syndrome is yoga.
Today, I would like to share four yoga power poses that help alleviate Impostor Syndrome and prepare us for moments when we want to do our complete best, like seeing clients or heading in to an important meeting.
Yoga Power Pose One: Warrior I (virabhadrasana I)
A sturdy and strong pose, Warrior 1 also known in sanskrit as Virabhadrasana 1, helps alleviate Imposter Syndrome as it creates a strong base. When we stand tall and strong in Warrior 1, we ignite our core muscles and strengthen our legs.
Our gaze in this pose is important in creating a sense of self worth. As we hold our gaze forward with our head held high, we actively practice the art of a forward facing gaze rather than tilting our head toward the floor. The positioning of our head and holding a soft gaze while in a meeting with someone new may also be very effective in allowing a new person to trust us.
Power Pose Two: Goddess Pose
In a wide legged stance, arms outstretched wide or placed with hands on our hips, the Goddess Pose allows our bodies to feel as if we are taking up as much space as we can manage. This larger than life feeling begins to create a sense of self worth and commands that we are ready to take charge.
Take this stance before entering a difficult meeting. Add on an empowering mantra, or repetitive uplifting statement, while in this pose to help boost feelings of confidence. An example: “I speak with truth, integrity, and compassion.”
Power Pose Three: Tree Pose
Practicing our balance is something we can benefit from every single day. Not only does it help us to feel confident in our walk, balance also assists us in getting up and down off of chairs and even the floor. As we balance we utilize our pelvic floor muscles, which with age, may begin to weaken.
Tree Pose offers the use of our pelvic floor muscles as we must activate them to steady ourselves while balancing on one foot. Add on the soft gaze forward while practicing Tree Pose to create a greater sense of self.
Whether you are getting ready to receive a promotion that you know you are worthy of receiving, or having an important conversation with someone you love, Impostor Syndrome may begin to sneak in at a moment’s notice. Fear not my friend, with these three Yoga Power Poses, you now have three secret weapons to squash Impostor Syndrome before it latches on.
Remember, you are worthy and you got this!
Cheers to having the best outcome, how does it get any better than that?
BRITTNEY HILLER
Brittney is the creator of the Effervescence Yoga brand and the owner of Effervescense Yoga Spa in the beautiful resort town of Beaufort, South Carolina. Brittney is passionate about leading a life full of laughter and joy! That is why she is also a certificated laughter yoga teacher & laughter yoga leadership trainer. She is also a Follow-Your-Passion Coach and the producer and head talent of Flowcountry, the Lowcountry’s only streaming yoga show!
