I am a true believer that wherever you find yourself during any typical day, you were meant to be there. I stumbled into a yoga class I don’t normally attend and heard this phrase:
“Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”
It was one we’ve all heard many times before; however this time I wasn’t a passenger on a plane, I was in the driver’s seat on this crazy ride called motherhood. As I felt the sweat start to pour off of me and onto my mat, I remembered a mother’s self care is as integral as a toddler’s afternoon nap. We must fill up our cups to help those whose lives we have been entrusted to care for. Easier said than done.
We must realize that an essential part of self-love is self acceptance and loving your life as it presents itself to you right now. I know how limited your time is and how clingy children, homework, soccer practice, swim lessons and bedtime routines get in the way. Here are a few simple yoga poses that can help you decompress, find some calm in the chaos and get you radiating self-love.
Let’s try 10 breaths in each pose for now.
Yoga does not judge, it does not have time constraints, it does not require immediate flexibility and ease. DO what you can with the time that you have.
Forward Fold
Feet are slightly separated with big toes in line. Slowly drape your top body over your legs and let your head, hands, arms dangle. Sway back and forth and then pause to breath. Knees can be bent or straight.
Self-LOVE in this pose comes from looking within and seeing the soul and reflection of God in yourself. You, even with all your flaws, are already perfect and fabulous.
Mountain Pose
Feet are slightly separated with big toes in line. Slight bend in the knee, pelvis tilts, belly button comes in and back. Take your arms up on the inhale.
Exhale take both hands in prayer to your heart and breathe.
Self-LOVE in this pose comes in many forms. Try using this pose to set an intention for your day or week. “I will enjoy the little things.” or “I will be happy now.”
Downward Facing Dog
Hands and feet are about shoulder-width distance apart. Shoulders are away from your ears and neck is relaxed. Send your hips to the sky and pull your naval in and up. Any pose were your head is below your heart is an inversion. Deep breaths here.
Self-LOVE in inversions help increase endorphin circulation, creating a less anxious and happier mommy.
Cobra OR Upward Facing Dog
Lie flat on your stomach. Place your hands underneath your shoulders, fingers pointing forward. On the inhale, lift your gaze to the sky letting your sternum, chest and rib cage start to life. Arm begin to straighten out to your degree of flexibility and desire. Legs stay on the ground and feet are about hips width distance apart.
Upward facing dog: Inhale lifting your gaze taking your chest and heart up for a backbend. Push into the tops of your feet and your shine, knees and tops of the thighs lift.
Self-LOVE in this pose inspires us to become vulnerable by opening up our heart. When we have children, you love so deeply it feels like our heart is walking outside the body. Breathe air into your chest and heart here giving thanks for wherever you are today.
Savasana
Even at the end of a chaotic day we all have those moments where we lay our head on the pillow and fall asleep. Use Savasana now. Lying flat on your back close your eyes and unclench your cheeks, jaw and throat. Gently slip into the comfort of the earth supporting you. Let your feet fall apart. Take 10 deep breaths feeling the belly rise and fall on each inhale and exhale.
Self-LOVE in Savasana reminds us to rest and recharge.
And remember, on the days where it seems there’s too much piling up is when you need self-love the most. Focus on your breath, maybe tap into one of these poses if only for a few minutes. You’ll never regret breathing deeper and you can even do it with a baby in tow.
