Why Should You Learn to Juggle?
Because it’s fun.
That’s it. End of blog. See you next time.
Okay, if you need more reasons, I have them.
I learned to juggle this past winter at 44 years old. Why? Spite, mostly.
Back in third grade, some guy came to our school and did a juggling demonstration. He taught everyone how to do it and, if I remember correctly, sold some kind of juggling kit afterward.
I couldn’t do it.
And it made me mad.
For some reason, that stuck with me. For more than 35 years, juggling remained one of those stupid little things I was disappointed I never learned how to do.
So I finally decided it was time.
It's Just Cool
There’s something inherently impressive about juggling.
Grab three balls—or a few reasonably round objects—at a party, family gathering, campground, wherever, and start tossing them around. People notice.
Someone will inevitably say, “Wait, you can juggle?”
And then they’ll want to try.
It’s a completely unnecessary skill, which might actually be part of what makes it so great. You’re not learning it because it makes you more productive or earns you money. You’re learning it because being able to do cool things is fun.
That’s enough of a reason.
Your Kids Might Actually Think You're Cool
This was an unexpected bonus.
For a brief window while I was learning, our teenage cave dwellers emerged from their rooms, gathered in the living room, and started learning along with me.
If you have teenagers, you understand how significant this is.
I wasn’t sitting everyone down for scheduled family bonding time. I was just throwing balls around, failing repeatedly, laughing at myself, and slowly getting better.
They wanted to try too.
There’s something contagious about watching somebody learn a skill right in front of you especially when they’re obviously not naturally good at it yet.
It's Good for Your Brain, Too
If “because it’s fun” still isn’t enough for you, juggling also appears to have some interesting effects on the brain.
Research using brain imaging has found changes associated with learning to juggle, making it an interesting example of neuroplasticity, your brain's ability to change and adapt as you learn.
Juggling also challenges your hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, timing, and proprioception, your awareness of where your body is and how it's moving through space.
So while you're standing in your living room repeatedly throwing balls on the floor, your brain is actually working pretty hard.
You can read more about the research here:
Being Bad at Something Is Part of the Point
This might be my favorite reason to learn.
Adults don't get many opportunities to be complete beginners.
We tend to stick with things we're already reasonably competent at. Being terrible at something can feel uncomfortable.
Juggling doesn't give you much choice.
You throw a ball.
You drop it.
You throw three balls.
You drop all three.
You pick them up.
And you do it again.
Then one day you get three catches.
Then five.
Then ten.
Eventually, something that once seemed completely impossible starts feeling almost automatic.
That's a useful thing to experience every once in a while.
Especially at 44.
Want to Learn?
You don't need expensive equipment. Three juggling balls are nice, but you can start with rolled-up socks or other soft objects you already have around the house.
The tutorial that finally got me juggling was from Taylor Tries. She breaks the cascade down into manageable steps instead of immediately having you throw three balls in the air and hope for the best.
Give it a shot.
Maybe you'll discover a new hobby. Maybe you'll impress your kids. Maybe you'll learn something about how your brain and body adapt to a new skill.
Or maybe you'll just have fun throwing things around your living room.
Again:
That's enough of a reason.
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