According to a survey, compiled by self-development and meditation app Anamaya, 55% of mum’s said their stress levels ‘increase dramatically over the school holidays’. Add to this the long term change that many parents may be experiencing as their offspring transition to a new life-stage; moving on to start school, from primary to secondary, or secondary to University and this is exacerbated as roles and needs become blurred and redefined. I can relate: My youngest son moves on from the nurturing village primary school, which we as a family have been a part of for the last nine years, this Friday! I’m anticipating the tears as his class are encouraged to savour their times at the school through song/memoirs at ‘the end of year leavers performance’.
So, turn to Patanjali’s “Eight Limbs of Yoga,” Aparigraha (non-attachment) — the fifth element of the first limb (the Yamas or restraints) — change is the only constant thing in life. Each day, an opportunity to learn and explore. Try not to get attached to habits, and learn to let go of expectations. Subtle changes in ourselves — mentally and emotionally may be noticed— accept ourselves for exactly who we are and where we are in our life right now. Knowing that tomorrow will bring a new experience, embracing change and remembering that even the smallest things can make a big difference.
Audre Lord once said that, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In defining self-care, Dr. Christine Meinecke at Psychology Today, states it is not self-indulgence or self-pampering, but “choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors” —
The Summer yoga classes are ‘all about balance’… in life and on the mat. We’ll catch you if you fall !🙏💕.
Week 1: Pose of the week UTTHITA HASTA PADANGUSTHASANA: THE EXTENDED HAND TO TOE POSE. Check it out here :
https://www.gaia.com/article/extended-hand-toe-pose-utthita-hasta-padangusthasana
Racheleyoga 