I spent last week with the twins in the mountains. Nico was working in Salzburg, so I had the kids for “cousin ski week”. Picture me and my sister-in-law wrangling four boys ages 3, 3, 4, and 6 into the gondola. We had some help from my in-laws, but as you can imagine, it was an exhausting week.
Definitely when I was a busy mom with full time employment outside the home, there were missed weeks and days when yoga or meditation just did not get done. Now that I am a sixty year old grandmother and have time for practice, I look back on my younger self with more kindness than I had when I was in it. Finding that space for this kindness is what I wish for all! Thanks for your post.
I can totally imagine … and thank you for sharing with authenticity. I feel supported, understood and connected even if we don’t know each other ‘physically’. Btw your slow practices are a blessing. I have done them every day 💜
Yes. The L2 Iyengar teacher in my area said a couple of years ago in relation to the two wildland fires that burned up most of our stuff, "I didn't do yoga for weeks after the fire; we do yoga so when we need to tap our reserves, we have them." I think about this often regarding the Ukraine survivors.
Thank You for the reminder to give myself credit for my off the mat Yoga practice. Noticing my breath, adjusting my posture... Tadasana while doing the dishes or brushing my teeth, noticing my reactions and being fully present with nature or other people. Some days my practice is chanting or just being present in the shower! We may never pass this way again. If we do, it will be different because of our experiences in between. Enjoy your time with kids & family.
Beautiful! Just the knowing that you can always go back to a place where you can find yourself is such a great relief, even if it takes a while to find the right time. I often catch myself feeling guilty for having 'mat breaks' so approaching my practice with grace instead of guilt is such a helpful insight! Thanks for your nugget of wisdom on a sunny sunday :)
My teacher Francois Raoult used to say that yoga practice was the path to let one do the important and cherished things in life. And your mom would say “ living your yoga!”
It is reassuring to know that you practice releasing guilt about ‘missing’ yoga practice as I too am learning to do the same. I recognize that yoga practice includes balancing life’s challenges - yoga happens as much off the mat as on the mat. Also, I noticed when I am practicing daily on the mat, I sometimes fall into mindset of “ok, let’s get this over with” and I am thinking about doing this and that other thing. When I have missed being on the mat a few days, I get back on it with gratitude and appreciation. My yoga mat is symbolic of my life - things change, routines get interrupted but at the core is the stability and comfort of the mat - there when I need it and want it.
We’re moving house, my daughter and grandson are visiting, it’s my birthday today and I haven’t practiced for over a week - also got a sub for one of the classes I teach- sometimes life is just full as it is and you have to ‘Let Go’ with no guilt and no regrets.
Definitely when I was a busy mom with full time employment outside the home, there were missed weeks and days when yoga or meditation just did not get done. Now that I am a sixty year old grandmother and have time for practice, I look back on my younger self with more kindness than I had when I was in it. Finding that space for this kindness is what I wish for all! Thanks for your post.
oh how i miss those days! xo
I can totally imagine … and thank you for sharing with authenticity. I feel supported, understood and connected even if we don’t know each other ‘physically’. Btw your slow practices are a blessing. I have done them every day 💜
Yes. The L2 Iyengar teacher in my area said a couple of years ago in relation to the two wildland fires that burned up most of our stuff, "I didn't do yoga for weeks after the fire; we do yoga so when we need to tap our reserves, we have them." I think about this often regarding the Ukraine survivors.
Sometimes life IS practice ❤️ You're doing great!
Wonderful write up x
Thank you for relieving me of my guilt. But SO GOOD when I get back! Namaste
Thank You for the reminder to give myself credit for my off the mat Yoga practice. Noticing my breath, adjusting my posture... Tadasana while doing the dishes or brushing my teeth, noticing my reactions and being fully present with nature or other people. Some days my practice is chanting or just being present in the shower! We may never pass this way again. If we do, it will be different because of our experiences in between. Enjoy your time with kids & family.
thank you. I so needed to hear this! Life has been crazy last couple of weeks and the inner critic can be so demeaning about no practice.
Beautiful! Just the knowing that you can always go back to a place where you can find yourself is such a great relief, even if it takes a while to find the right time. I often catch myself feeling guilty for having 'mat breaks' so approaching my practice with grace instead of guilt is such a helpful insight! Thanks for your nugget of wisdom on a sunny sunday :)
My teacher Francois Raoult used to say that yoga practice was the path to let one do the important and cherished things in life. And your mom would say “ living your yoga!”
EXCELLENT!!!
BEAUTIFULLY DONE!!!
THANK YOU!!!
Yes!! With ease and grace - reintroduce yourself to your mat. It really is like an old friend. It will accept you just where and when you show up ☀️❤️
It is reassuring to know that you practice releasing guilt about ‘missing’ yoga practice as I too am learning to do the same. I recognize that yoga practice includes balancing life’s challenges - yoga happens as much off the mat as on the mat. Also, I noticed when I am practicing daily on the mat, I sometimes fall into mindset of “ok, let’s get this over with” and I am thinking about doing this and that other thing. When I have missed being on the mat a few days, I get back on it with gratitude and appreciation. My yoga mat is symbolic of my life - things change, routines get interrupted but at the core is the stability and comfort of the mat - there when I need it and want it.
Sometimes life is your yoga practice and getting on your mat takes a backseat.
I feel you Lizzie
We’re moving house, my daughter and grandson are visiting, it’s my birthday today and I haven’t practiced for over a week - also got a sub for one of the classes I teach- sometimes life is just full as it is and you have to ‘Let Go’ with no guilt and no regrets.
Your message is very timely for me-
Thanks for sharing
Namaste
Laura