Four years ago, I was midway through my yoga teacher training. 200+ hours spent practicing and studying the art and practice of Hatha Yoga. Through that journey, I found a version of myself that I never fully acknowledged before. I felt physically strong and mentally at peace. (Which is saying something, as I was pregnant during the entire program).
Since then, I’ve become a mother. We’ve expanded our homestead operations and made the decision for me to stay home full time. I thought that once I became a mother, I would give up most of the hobbies and push back what I was passionate about. That during the sweet, short season while my children were at home, I would be completely committed to them.
I was wrong. Becoming a mother hasn’t forced me to let go of things I once held dear, they simply aren’t important anymore. And I don’t miss them nearly as much as I thought I would.
I’ve had others ask if I regret my yoga training, or if I’ll ever start using it to teach. (Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll feel called to teach again.) But regretting pursuing the training has never once crossed my mind.
The journey of my teacher training allowed me to come to a place where I was comfortable and confident enough in myself to step into motherhood. There were tools I was trained for to help cope with bouts of anxiety that came with a newborn baby, and I finally knew the benefits of quiet mediation.
There’s a self reflection that happens when you quiet your mind. When you find a balance between release and control in the body. Taking part of the day to reflect on scripture and pray with intention.
It’s been four years, and I’m finally starting to pursue a regular physical practice again. It’s not in a studio or #everydarnday but it’s what works for me. And it’s brought be back to the mat.
Love this post. As a homeschooling mom of four boys, I can relate to so much of what you say and, coincidentally, I’ve also recently gotten back to the mat. 😊
Oh how awesome! We are planning to homeschool as well!