In modern, busy, every day life it can be hard to take time to slow down, move, breathe mindfully and connect to you. For me the practice of yoga has helped me prioritise my own wellbeing to stay well, so I can then in turn help others.
My journey to yoga happened a number of years ago when a friend encouraged me to go along to a yoga class with them. At that point I really didn’t do much in the way of exercise or taking time to prioritise my own wellbeing. At the time I had quite a stressful job, had caring responsibilities, was bothered by a few common health issues and generally wasn’t feeling my best. Like many, some of my initial hesitations of beginning a yoga class came from the misconception of, “I’m not flexible enough/at all” and feeling a little embarrassed about that, thinking that flexibility was a requirement to begin a yoga practice (spoiler alert - it isn’t). As well as wondering where can I fit the time in to attend a class, in amongst my busy week. I did a little Google into yoga and thought well, it seems like it could be nice, I’ll give it a try. I’m glad to say after the first few classes I saw and experienced benefits and slowly over time I began to prioritise a consistent practice. In the end the requirement of flexibility wasn’t about my body being flexible, it was about having a flexible and open mind to giving something a try.
Fast forward a number of years and I can’t think of an area of my life that yoga hasn’t improved: the relationship with myself and others, work life, physical health, mental health, general wellbeing and so much more. Indeed over time my flexibility did improve with the practice. But for me, the other aspects I found more profound were the use of breath and meditations. Yoga had a deep impact on me, so much so that I became a qualified yoga teacher (RYT) further specialising in womans yoga… and here we are. Pregnancy and postnatal yoga is just one of the ways I support women and families through Mama Wellbeing Co.
In my own pregnancy, yoga really helped with symptoms of PGP and other discomforts, helped me take time to connect to my baby, body and instincts. I particularly found the focused breathing and affirmations incredibly helpful for my own birth, assisting in keeping me calm and bringing positivity and focus in. This was particularly poignant at moments of intensity when I was doubting myself or wavering. Nowadays the breathing practices (pranayama) can be really helpful at times of high stress, like when my little one is feeling upset and I’m finding it tricky to help soothe him. Tapping into the slow and controlled breathing helps me regulate my own emotions and stress in order to help him. It’s great to already role model these strategies to him at a young age. As well as the pranayama, if you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen that I love to involve him in the physical yoga practice (asana) at home too. It’s a lovely way to bond now that he is here, while still benefiting me lots too.
So what has yoga changed for you? Or what could it change?
If you’d like to join me for pregnancy and postnatal yoga, you can do so on Monday evenings, 5-5.45pm in Polmont, Falkirk. Easily Accessible for those residing within Stirlingshire and across Forth Valley. I’d be delighted to welcome you. Whether you have practice yoga before, or completely new to the practice, I’ll be here to support and guide you through the practice. Open up to the possibility of positive change and feeling empowered for your pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Gilly x
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