Photo by: Judepics

Yoga for Moms

Photo by: Judepics

Waking up for night time feedings, potty training, packing lunches, driving the carpool, checking homework, and getting the kids to soccer on time, along with laundry, cleaning, and cooking is only small portion of any busy Moms day. Whatever stage of parenting you are in from newborn, to teen to Grandma the demands of balancing it all can be overwhelming. Yoga can help calm the body, mind and spirit and allow women to embrace the joys of parenting with an open heart.

My yoga practice began while I was pregnant with my second son. Every afternoon during nap time I set up my VHS tape in the living room. I knew nothing about yoga; I didn’t understand the breath, had to peek at the screen to pause the tape and figure out certain poses, but quickly began to savor the final relaxation portion of the video.

Each day I would lie on my side with a body pillow, breathe and flow in and out of twilight between sleep and relaxation. After completing my yoga session I was relaxed and renewed and hooked on yoga! I didn’t understand the philosophy, the connection with the breath, alignment, I’d never heard of Patanjali, or the Yoga Sutras, but something about how I felt after the video left me wanting to explore the practice further.

Years later I completed a yoga teacher training program and continue teaching, learning and living yoga. Many people feel intimidated by yoga and think they need to be flexible to begin the practice. Others feel uncomfortable in their skin after having a baby and others don’t understand what yoga really is.

Yoga is perfect for you wherever you are in your life. You don’t need to be flexible or fit; you don’t have to be different than you are to enjoy tremendous benefits by practicing yoga. Practicing yoga creates space in your body, mind and heart. It works to dissolve anxiety and stress by giving you a fresh perspective. Yoga will help you find peace, balance and unity while aligning the body and breathe as you are guided through clearly explained asana (postures)

Beginning a yoga practice can be as simple as watching a class “on demand’ with your local cable channel. Videos and books are available for free at most public libraries. Many studios offer a free trial class or half price class and if you belong to a gym you can check out their class schedule where daycare maybe available.

Whether you spend 5 minutes each day stretching and breathing mindfully at home, attend a weekly class or practice with a video, a regular yoga practice will help you take the beauty and wisdom learned on the mat into your daily life where you can enjoy the chaotic bliss of parenting.

Barbara is a mom of three boys, yoga instructor and massage therapist.

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1 Comment

Thanks for the inspiration.

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