To The One Skipping Out On Your Yoga Practice

Dear non-practicing yogi/yogini,

I understand.  

It is hard to find time.  Even when there is time, it is hard to find the motivation to practice.  There is so much to do, so much that can be accomplished.  And as a parent, yes, you have to find childcare or practice at home and if you practice at home the kids are running around and finding focus when there is screaming isn't the easiest and....

I get it.  

Now allow me to share with you what my practice looked like this morning.

Roll out of bed and find the kids already up and playing the Wii.  Which they aren't supposed to do in the morning.

Discover the pizza box was left out last night.

Breathe.

Make breakfast.  Kids complain they don't want eggs.

Inhale.  Exhale.

Clean up after breakfast.  Kids run back to the Wii.  I pick my fight.

I choose the yoga mat.

Mountain Pose.

Husband leaves for work. Inform the kids they have 5 minutes left on the Wii.

Sun Salutations.

Tell the kids to turn off the Wii.

Side bends.  Dancer Pose.  Half Moon.

Tell the kids to turn off the Wii NOW.  Much whining.

Breathe.

Send the kids to their rooms because I can't even hear my thoughts over their whining.

Plank. Downdog.  Repeat.

My son returns. "I don't want you as my mommy"

Breathe.  Breathe.  Breathe.

Sun Salutations.

Just move.  

Kids start to quiet down in their rooms.  I hear toys being pulled out.

Childs Pose.

My son returns. "Mommy, can I have my Michael Jackson CD?"

Open my chest, deep inhale.

My daughter returns.  "Mommy, I'm going to color a picture!"

Savasana.

Breath.

We clean up, then dress amidst excited giggles to go play in the snow.

Breath.

I get it.

Now go practice.

Namaste.