Finding My Zen

Over 20 million people practice yoga in the US, according to the most recent stats from Yoga Journal, so clearly I’m not alone my love for it. I recently took a couple of weeks off, due to renovations at my gym’s studio in the spring, and focused on training for the Colfax Half Marathon. While running, I would daydream about a good vinyasa flow session. I missed it! I walked back into the studio thinking about how tight my muscles were from not doing enough yoga, adding items to my mental to-do list, and feeling a little stressed about my work obligations. Not very zen-like, huh? Then the class started and I received a message of self-acceptance and peace, “Right where you are is exactly where you need to be.” In that moment, I knew I could let go of any stress and all of my to-dos would get checked off my list eventually. For in that moment, I was exactly where I needed to be. I was back, baby! Unfortunately, it hurt. My hamstrings were so tight. I felt the weeks of neglecting to stretch and lots of running coming back to haunt me.

I started yoga about three years ago. I remember initially being intimidated by it because I am not flexible. Not flexible at all. I aspire to be one of those long, lean yogis {like my friend Samantha Heniss – pictured}; however, it’s a journey for everyone and my journey may be especially long in that respect. The form-fitting workout wear made me battle my insecurities, especially when I was pregnant and feeling gigantic, but I was still drawn in by an amazing teacher. I wanted to be healthy, flexible, and lean like everyone else in class seemed to be. I was nervous about not being able to keep up or understand what the teachers’ instructions meant. How exactly does one learn sanskrit, the language of yoga? I’ll tell you: Practice.

I no longer worry about how my butt looks in yoga pants or if I can keep up with a flow. I’ve learned that I don’t necessarily need to know the sanskrit names of the poses in order to follow along. I realize that every class is different and each person’s abilities are unique. Each practice presents an opportunity for me to get whatever I need out of it. Sometimes just having one hour to truly unplug and get a break from my motherly obligations is what I need. As a mom, I don’t even have privacy when I use the restroom. There is usually {at least} one little set of tiny hands on my shower door. Other times the physical challenge of class is invigorating and sometimes it is more of a mental undertaking. Can I do “crow” or will I somersault into that nice lady in front of me?! {Honestly, I’ve somersaulted and I didn’t knock anyone out or die of embarrassment and I realize core strength and proper positioning are still something for me to work on.}

I may never describe myself as being skilled at yoga, but I don’t care. That is not why I will continue to do it. I love how it makes me feel: strong, powerful, capable of difficult things, able to clear my mind, and {literally} able to go with the flow. For the record, I now think yoga clothes are really cute, too. Positive messages of self-acceptance can be a rarity outside of yoga, so I love that aspect of it and it’s one of many things that keeps me coming back to my mat. Namaste.

Are you a yoga mom or do you have another way to clear your mind and feel strong in your body?