I have been taking yoga classes since I was pregnant with my first child. Over the past four years I have been practicing yoga off and on. This beautiful, fluid form of exercise which ends with a ten to fifteen minute rest is my absolute favourite physical activity.
However, today while at prenatal yoga class I had an epiphany. I realized that prenatal yoga has made me more mindful in my practice.
Every week my growing body expands, my lung capacity changes and my balance is altered. Every week I need to check in with my body and ask myself how the pose feels, how my body feels, and adjust the pose so it benefits me and my baby.
Prior to this pregnancy, I used to push through the poses. I would follow the instructor’s guidance and breathe in and out on cue.
Today, I realized that my yoga practice is about me and my awareness of my body in its present state.
I also came to accept that my yoga practice is a journey. Just as this pregnancy is a journey and my life is a journey. There are no mistakes. I learn in every moment.
Today, I embrace the next pose and the next breath. Today, I embrace the changes I am going through physically, mentally and spiritually. I am on my journey. I listen to my breath. No one else can do it for me.
I have had a number of people tell me lately that I should try yoga to help me slow down…but I still haven’t. It sounds like you have really found an important way of listening to your body – and discovered that it is your ‘workout’, not the instructors!!!
Such wisdom especially when you are pregnant – but also for every day in your life :-)
xxxCate
Beautiful observation. Prenatal yoga is so valuable…certainly a contributor to my 5 hour first time labor!
Cate:
You should try a yoga class… it is such a wonderful way to exercise and relax!
Lucy:
My first labour was 17 hours in length (but I had only attended one yoga session during that pregnancy). I’m hoping this labour will be much shorter!
Thanks for your comments ladies! I truly appreciate your feedback!
Taking Yoga classes is an awesome thing you did, since you need something to keep you from being bored at home, and put your fitness in check. Prenatal exercises is an essential thing for an upcoming mother to do, since you have to prepare yourself for the release date, and you should also perform Kegel exercises to fortify your pelvic wall muscles, in which, it is also helpful for your bowel and bladder control.