Resonating Moments: Lessons From the Week
Welcome to "Resonating Moments." Each week I share one lesson from parenting, teaching yoga, practicing on my mat, and simply living life. My intentions for sharing these lessons are twofold: (1) to make a personal effort to record moments that resonate or ring true (Chime) with who I am at my core, and (2) to offer what I have learned in hopes that you can relate and share about your experiences in the comments below.
Here's what I learned this week:
Lesson from parenting: Running is to my husband what yoga is to me. It's his happy place, his space to let go of stress, and his opportunity to clear his mind. Our life—much like yours—is incredibly hectic, and, at times, it can feel too stressful to schedule time around the kids and each other to hit the trail or yoga mat. Over the past few weeks, however, I have made a conscious effort to create space for my husband to go running after work a few times a week and on the weekend. He struggles with giving himself permission to not come directly home from work to help me with the kids and evening routine. But, little by little, he is trusting that it is OK and good and right for him to take time for himself. As a result, he is less stressed and more present when he gets home. Please leave a comment if you have ideas about to create space for your partner or what kind of space you need for yourself to feel more present in your hectic daily life.
Lesson from life: Last week, during one of my long jaunts working on Chime and other projects at a local Starbucks, I overheard the cashier call my purchase (a granola bar) an "impulse item." Now, I understand this is a marketing term, which is defined as "an unplanned decision to buy a product or service, made just before a purchase." Considering that the word "impulse" or being described as "impulsive" has a negative connotation, I found myself doubting my purchase and also a tad annoyed that my need was now shaded with this description. This experience left me asking, how do we differentiate between needs and impulses when we live in a culture that encourages impulsive behavior (think about all the products you encounter at most check out areas)? The take away was the realization that needs are not impulses. I wonder if you have an opinion on this? If so, please share in the comments!
Lesson from teaching yoga: I taught my fist class at Verge Yoga yesterday. I was nervous but also ecstatic for the opportunity. Two teachers were in my class, and I messaged them each afterward for feedback. I am a big believer in giving and receiving feedback. As yoga teachers, it is the best way we can continue to grow from class to class. It can feel scary to take a risk and ask for feedback, but it is worth it. We are never above receiving feedback and we will always benefit from having put ourselves out there to grow and improve the art of teaching yoga. It was a good lesson of which to be reminded, and I feel pumped to get back in Verge's yoga room and implement what I learned from my feedback. Please share a comment if you can relate or would like tips on how to give constructive feedback.
Lesson from my mat: I was pleasantly surprised to find that half pigeon actually does not feel so bad when done early in class. I was trained that such hip openers are best to do toward the end of class, after our hips and bodies are warm and open from warrior poses and other preparatory postures. So, when the teacher cued half pigeon within the first 5 minutes of practice, I prematurely judged the teacher's decision. I also dreaded what that pose was going to feel like. But, low and behold, it felt pretty good. My experience of the pose was certainly different than when my hips are open, yet this particular experience led me to be more aware entering and exiting the pose and more in touch with how deeply I should take it. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to notice my process of awareness in action. Bring on the half-pigeon! Please share a comment if you have had a similar experience or, if you are a yoga teacher and have advice on how to creatively incorporate half pigeon in sequences.
Perhaps some or all of these lessons resonated with you as well. If so, I’d enjoy learning how! Please share in the comments below.
Other Tidbits of Inspiration and Information
Good Reads
On Yoga and Motherhood
In her post, "3 Ways a Hatha Practice Can Make You a Better Mom," founder of Nourished Motherhood Keya Williams shares how the benefits of a regular yoga practice can help moms be more patient, compassionate, and joyful. A regular practice provides balance—"balance between work and rest, being and doing, assertiveness and acceptance," Williams writes. I love Williams' message and find it to be a great reminder that we moms need balance to function at our best for our families and selves.
On Teaching Yoga
"After Teacher Training: Keeping Heart-Filled Intentions Through Empty Classes" by Nicole Markardt is captivating! In sharing her journey to becoming a yoga teacher, Markardt beautifully reminds yoga teachers (me included) that their work is one of service, and whether there are 30 students or 2 in our classes, "we are helping people heal, receive, and release." Yes, we must put a lot of time, energy, reflection, and sweat into becoming teachers and cultivating continued personal growth, but in the moment, when we teach, it is not about us. It is about the people in front of us, about serving them. I encourage new teachers to adopt this attitude early on in their teaching journeys. When we show up to serve, we teach with heart and strong intention.
On Body Image
This week I started reading Yoga and Body Image: 25 Personal Stories About Beauty, Bravery & Loving Your Body. Twenty-five authors, including Alanis Morrisette, Seane Corn, Bryan Kest, and Dr. Sara Gottfried, discuss how yoga and body image intersect. Each author offers a unique perspective on how yoga has shaped his or her life and provides tips for using yoga to find self empowerment and a renewed body image. I know there will be a lesson in every chapter of this book for me! I look forward to sharing them with you in the upcoming weeks.