Every child matters.
As a mother and Yoga Teacher with three bright, creative teenager daughters I would like to share my view on how yoga philosophy can support us to become Good Parents.
How Did You Feel When Your Child Was Born?
Do you remember how you felt when your first child was born? Were you excited, proud, nervous, scared or happy? I was stunned and felt in awe, humbled and overwhelmed by the fact that I was responsible for creating such a magic piece of history. We named our first child Hasina, yet for me I felt Hasina was an Intimate Stranger-someone who I knew yet didn’t know.
What Emotions Did You Experience?
I am sure you experienced a range of emotions -even if your baby was unplanned or your life wasn’t working for you as you planned – did you still want your baby to have a good start in life, to be happy, healthy and successful?
Parenting is a challenge. Every child matters and yet every child is different.
Eighteen months after giving birth to my first daughter, I gave birth to twins. Twin daughters, Maleka and Jameela. Although genetically identical twins I am forever amazed at just how similar yet so different and unique each child is.
As a parent, it is our responsibility to ensure we do all we can to encourage our children to grow strong, healthy and aspire to fulfil their greatness.
How Do You Cope When Life Sucks?
However, if life isn’t going right for you and you lack financial, emotional and practical support, what can you do to ensure you care for yourself as well as provide a secure and safe home for your child? If you do not have support and feel isolated and alone, especially during the early days of being a parent, who do you call upon to guide and care for you and your baby?
Yoga Says…
From a yogic perspective you are never alone.
Yoga philosophy encourages you to view the wider universe as your home, to strive for union, a deeper connection with yourself and ultimately to develop a more loving humane relationship with others.
How is this possible, especially if your life experiences to date have been one of abuse and neglect?
How do you learn to care and nurture yourself so you can give your best to your child?
Is it possible to be a “good parent?” to give to someone else what you may not of received or able to give to yourself?
Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Gentle
Have you ever had days when life just sucks and you do not know what to do to turn your situation around?
Rather than beat yourself up, yoga teachings encourage you to:
1. View your current situation through the eyes of a witness.
2. Pay attention to every negative thought and emotion without being consumed by the emotion.
3. Breathe through your pain and discomfort
4.Have faith and trust.
My yoga teacher, Shola Arewa always say “All is Well”. When life is crap, it is a challenge to surrender and see the good in every situation, especially during those early days of parenting or even if, like me, your children are fairly independent teenagers and you have a good grounding in yoga teachings.
What Else Does Yoga Say About Good Parenting?
Yoga philosophy encourages you to:
Release your attachment to the outcome.
When you try to plan and control all your desires and dreams, you close the door to new experiences and opportunities for you and your child.
As you learn to accept the inevitable, to go with the flow and accept all experiences as neither good nor bad, but as an opportunity to heal and grow – then you truly embrace the hidden power of yoga and can be the Good Parent you desire to be.
I wish you every blessing, joy, health and strength on this fantastic roller coaster journey of parenting.
What are your views about yoga as a tool for good parenting?
In your view how else can yoga help you be your best and give your best to your family? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading and Happy Parenting:)
Thanks to Jezzaboy for the lovely Image
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