Since becoming a mom, I've realized how difficult it is to find time to practice yoga. In all honestly, I've realized how difficult it is to find time to do just about anything other than make sure my toddler doesn't stick his hand (or my cell phone) in the toilet or fall down the stairs.
Perhaps the heaviest realization of all has been just how important it is to devote time to myself. Nurturing others and making sure everyone else has everything they need comes naturally to me. It's a huge challenge for me to turn that nurturing instinct around and apply it to myself. It's a battle I wage daily in my head and heart.
You wouldn't think that right? If you've been to my yoga classes you may have heard me say how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can take care of the people you love.
Oh I said that a lot before having a kid and now I know just how naive I must have sounded to those parents in class. Now I know that the struggle is very, very real! It's a practical struggle--"How is it 11pm ALREADY??!!!"--and it's a mental struggle--"I should really be spending time with my kid or folding laundry or finishing that project for work." (The cacophony in my head is endless!)
What it really comes down to is self-worth. I know that if I'm going to be patient enough to handle that toddler tantrum I've got to devote at least 10-15 minutes a day to doing something for myself. (My sanity is worth 15 minutes of my time right?!)
So for those of you who may be in the same boat or for those of you who have had "Take a yoga class" on your list for way too long, here's 15ish Minutes of Yoga just for you.
*Note: this video was filmed after I had gone about two weeks without really taking anytime for myself. I made myself get on my mat after teaching one day. Afterward, I was a new person!
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