Yoga College for Motherhood: Year 1

My baby boy is turning one year old in a week!  I reflect this week on a year ago...the waiting, the wonder, the courage it took when the time did come, and the beauty that came from it all.  My son is the most delicious thing there ever was and just keeps getting better and better (what all the mothers who have gone before me say is true after all).  He is starting to take his first steps and is very curious and passionate about many things already.  I am elated to celebrate his life and all that comes with it in mine.

At the same time, I reflect on the major transition I've had to forge through this last year.  Everyone goes through cycles of having to face unflattering character traits numerous times in a life.  Isn't this why we are drawn to practices that move us to become better versions of ourselves?  To feed our spirits and live a life that we find both morally/emotionally full and satisfying, with a greater purpose in the world?  Part of this post was inspired by my friend and sometimes health coach, Dillan, who recently wrote this about transitions.  

Becoming a mom has brought back things I haven't felt since my teen years into my early 20's.    Just when I thought I had hit my stride at being the strongest, most confident woman that I can be...bam! I am right back where I was 8-10 years ago in many ways.  This last year, I have dealt with many variations of fear (both old and new), jealousy, competitiveness, low self-esteem, anxiety/depression, guilt.  All probably due to a combination of things, such as: 

hormones, lack of sleep, overwhelming new responsibilities, navigating different "mommy" outlooks/research, navigating pressure from oneself, an ever-changing physical body, trying to maintain a sense of self and what my passions are, getting back to work, losing the closeness of old friendships (friends without babies), trying to do it all, and so on.  

I take pretty good care of myself.  I exercise, eat well, try to get decent rest, make time for relationships, and space in some "me" time.  I've done New Mama Recharge, I've ranted to my mom, sisters, and other mommy friends, and I've cried for all the other new mommy's trying to figure it out, too.  And I'm not even a single mom!  I have an awesome, pretty hands-on husband/daddy and a supportive (though not local) family.  The thing is, my yoga practice continues to be the one and only thing that emotionally keeps me on track.  These unflattering traits I mentioned...yeah, they happen.  I'm not gonna pretend they don't.  But, I notice that if I let too many days go by without giving myself some good yoga time (to be both physical and in touch with my spirit at the same time), then I am more likely to give in to these negative feelings...most recently that of anxiety/depressive qualities.  This isn't new.  Nope.  Already done this many times before in my life.  Cycles we live in and surrender to.  

What changes it this time around?  Well, I have another human being to care for.  Even more reason to challenge myself to step on my mat when I only have 15 minutes/ sit in meditation while he plays with his toys/ do asana while prepping dinner/ breathe while in line at the store and he's fussing.  He needs that from me, but more importantly, I need that from me.  Yoga for Mommy's 101.  What do you think?  Shall I make it a real class?  Hehe.  No, seriously though, I do want to start focusing on postnatal yoga and helping busy mamas find their version of yoga.  

 On the beach in Florida last week for a winter getaway to visit Grandma Jane.

 Isak doing his version of sand upward facing dog!

Stepping back into teaching some of my yoga classes in the last couple of months have been therapeutic and helpful as well.  Even though I feel much more scattered about my teaching than before baby, and not as "studied" as many other teachers out there right now; the sense of joy I get from creating a sequence that speaks to others...well, it's priceless for me right now.  I do have days where I rush out from home and Isak to go teach, and I haven't planned class all that well.  It turns out these have been my "better" classes because I'm not over thinking it.  I'm just feeling it.  And these are the days I am reminded that I am doing what I love.  I remind myself there is plenty of time to continue learning and it doesn't all have to happen right now.  I don't have to beat myself up because I've missed the latest workshop in town, or I haven't yet gotten my 500 hours certification, or I haven't yet conquered handstand or some other advanced pose.  I show up when I can.  I talk about all of the traits I both struggle with and connect with, hoping that if I read passages in class, it will translate for us all.  I learn by not knowing the answer sometimes.  I flub my words.  I pick the wrong playlist.  But again, I'm there and I'm doing what I love.  And if anything, motherhood has taught me that I am not perfect and neither is my son, but we can live from a place of love in our imperfections and that is probably the best thing we can all live by.  

(**Disclaimer--all of this is not to mention the other side of the coin: the variations on extreme love, compassion, gratitude,  honesty, forgiveness, and strength I have felt in the last year.  This is all just towards myself.  Now imagine all of these things going towards my son and husband as well.  I think it all outweighs the unflattering stuff, no?)  ;) 

Iceland Week in Boston Playlist

Yesterday was the end to Iceland Week here in Boston.  Icelandic chefs and musicians were in town to bring their culture to our city.  I am loving that this city has a nice bond forming with my favorite land on the earth.  It's true that we are closer to Iceland than the west coast of the U.S. and have similar climates. Since I have my little one, I didn't get to enjoy all of the festivities that came to town, but I did talk it up in my yoga classes and play this oldie but goodie playlist.  It consists of some of my favorite "feeling" tunes to move the body to in an intuitive way.  Check out these tunes, as well as gogoyoko for more up to date Icelandic musical fare.

I'm planning my 4th trip over this summer (David and I will introduce Isak to the country), and hopefully will have another yoga trip planned for 2013.

1- Olafur Arnalds: 3055
2- Olafur Arnalds: 0040
3- Olafur Arnalds: Fok
4- Olafur Arnalds: Himininn er a hrynja en stjarnur
5- Amiina: Sexfaldur
6- Mum: We Have a Map of the Piano
7- Mum: Moon Pulls
8- Mum: Marmalade Fires
9- Sigur Ros: Refur
10- Sigur Ros: O Fridur
11- Sigur Ros: Kafari
12- Sigur Ros: Olsen Olsen
13-Amiina: Blafeldur
14- Amiina: Rugla

Playlist from Sunday classes (2/12/12)

Since so many who attended my classes yesterday commented on the playlist, here it is.  I actually recycled it from the beginning of last summer.  Once again, a high quantity of Icelandic musicians, but a few randoms in here.  Hope to create some new playlists soon.

Summer Fog--The Album Leaf
Because of the Blood--Sin Fang
Blank Pages--The Album Leaf
Easier--Sin Fang
Within Dreams--The Album Leaf
Slow Lights--Sin Fang
Full Moon--Efterklang
Calgary--Bon Iver
Stand Still--The Album Leaf
Sing From Dream--Sin Fang
Until the Last--The Album Leaf
Tied Knots--The Album Leaf
Iridescence--Hildur Gudnadottir

Walking Man-- Zoe Keating

Tomorrow's Song-- Olafur Arnalds

Lag Fyrir Ommu-- Olafur Arnalds

February Hello/News

Friends and fellow yoga lovers,

Another winter month.  It's been awesome to be back in town and back at teaching a few times a week.  Thank you all who have been coming to class for the great energy, support, and the wisdom you bring to my practice.  I look forward to the year ahead of yoga in Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond.  

Updates:

**My Wednesday evening class at Karma Yoga-Harvard is at 5:30pm instead of 6:00pm this month.  I think they want to see which time works best and maybe we'll decide in March.  Anyone have thoughts on this who comes to this time slot?  

**Sunday, Feb. 26, both of my classes this day (10:15 and 11:45) will be subbed by the lovely Bethania.  

I will be visiting my 104 year old grandmother-in-law in Florida with the family for a long weekend in the sun.  :)

**Check out the pic of my new in-home yoga studio/space!  I am hoping to host small classes up there (it's on the 3rd floor over-looking Boston...so sweet) and gatherings.  First on my list is Prenatal Yoga and Postnatal Yoga.  If you or anyone you know is pregnant, be in touch and we can set up a weekly class.  

Something fun and important this month:

A yogini who comes to my classes at Karma is performing in this awesome event in support of V-DAY.  What's V-DAY?  V-DAY brings awareness to stopping violence against women.  Something we should all be more and more passionate about.  

http://vdaycambridgemmrp-efbevent.eventbrite.com/

I hope to let the hubs babysit this night and attend.  Maybe I'll see some of you there.  

**My friend and fellow teacher, Karma Longtin, with whom many of you practice with as well, is teaching a heart-centered (4th chakra) workshop this coming Saturday (2/11) at KYS, Harvard.  1:30-3:30 $25 pre-reg and $30 walk-in.  A heart-centered vinyasa flow with restorative chakra meditation at the end.  I also hope to attend this if I can!  

In the meantime, sending love, love to all this month of valentine's.  May you all find joy within and around you.  Til soon!

peace,

Jenn

Poses of the Moment: Cobra & Locust

It's end of January already.  The start of a fresh new year!  We've all probably battled colds and sickness by now, holiday extravaganzas, working too much to get back into a routine/maybe overdoing the new year good habits?  Okay, maybe you can't overdo good habits.  And maybe all of these things I speak of have been just me?  All I know is that the following asanas (poses) are feeling super great these days (again, that may be just me, and the fact that I tote around a 10 month old all day long...).  But, we could all use a little back and core strengthening/heart opening that these asanas (poses) provide:

Cobra (Bhujangasana)

--Works the entire spinal group to create extension in both chest and spine, plus lengthens & works the arms & legs
--You can come up higher on the arms if your back feels nice, but I mostly choose to take this version
--Legs should be active with feet pressing into the mat, your pelvis should also press into the mat, and hands steady but not all the weight on those hands! Neutral neck, and breathe.

Locust (Salabhasana)

--Lengthens chest, backs of arms, abdominals, hips, and works the arms, spine, legs (hips, glutes, hamstrings, knees)
--Again, this is just one version of the pose.  You can clasp your hands together at the base of the spine or also have both arms out in front of you with palms facing inward.  Again, breathe!

I'm teaching again!

2012 has arrived!  My family and I just moved back into our renovated home in Somerville this week, after 6 months of being away.  Things will be in disarray for some time I suspect, but we are delighted to be back in our updated home and back to our life.  I grew to love our quiet life out on Nantucket, and hope to hold on to some of that slowness now as we settle in for the winter and build our home back to it's organized and cozy self.  With that, I am slowly re-entering my other love--teaching yoga!

I'm starting out with just 2 days of teaching a week this month.  3 classes total at Karma Yoga Studio in Harvard Sq./Cambridge.

Sunday mornings:  10:15-11:30am-- Hatha Yoga/Slow Flow (a slower paced, alignment based class)
                                                          and
                              11:45am-1:00pm-- Vinyasa Flow (a sun salutation based, movement with the breath)

Wednesday evenings: **check the website.  It will either be at 5:30 or 6:00pm-- Vinyasa Flow

I look forward to seeing so many of you on the mat again!  Tomorrow morning will be fantastic, as it will be just before the Capricorn Full Moon in Cancer.  I will be teaching with a relaxed, rejuvenating vibe to open ourselves up to it.

Taking time to enjoy

It's that time.  The time just before winter sets in that we all call "the holidays."  As fun as they can be, it's inevitable that we will end up at some point a little frazzled.  As for me, things have been on the edge of just that, and I came down with a cold!  Ick.  It appeared last week and then set in for real on the weekend...having me miss some much needed yoga classes, some of my last here on the island.  Having a cold while nursing your infant, doing other domestic daily needs, figuring out holiday stuff, and finally planning a move back in to your home...well, that spells frazzled to me.  So, what's a yogini to do?  Oh yeah, remember to breathe.  And drink lots of elderberry tea.  And eat homemade soup.  And try to rest.

And do some gentle yoga.  What yoga can one do when sick?
I started each day with some half sun salutes:  big breath in, exhale to forward fold, inhale to halfway lift, exhale fold, inhale back to tadasana, namaskaram.  Ah, that always felt nice.  Then take some standing gentle side bends, twists.
Later in the day, maybe work in some heart openers like cobra or locust on the belly, and maybe a bridge on your back.  While on your back, take a thread the needle or another hip opening pose.  And maybe hold down dog if you can breathe okay.
Basically, doing whatever feels good enough when you don't feel like your awesome physical self.  Any little bit helps and makes you remember it will pass and all is well.

As for that part about moving back to our home?  Yes, it is just about here!  In one week from today we will be having the final inspection and moving our stuff back into our "new" place in Somerville.  Won't be there long, as we'll be off again for family holiday cheer.  But, it's so exciting.  Boston friends and fellow students...I will see you soon!  Back to teaching (just a little) starting Jan. 8!  More details to come.  ;)

For now, we shall enjoy our home away from home, Nantucket.  Oh how we will miss her peace.  After all, it's her island magic that reminds me of all that yoga is.