Real People Do Yoga – A Mom’s Story

I know getting to the mat isn’t easy. But, it is possible – even in the face of some obstacles! This post is part of a series where real readers share their yoga stories with you. I’m thrilled to welcome Alyssa today. I knew she was a kindred spirit when she walked into my Studio years ago, and I’m so grateful she was willing to share her story with you!

By: Alyssa Crowder

Alyssa's beautiful daughter slithering like a snake in Cobra pose!

As a stay-at-home mom of a three year old and a two month old my yoga practice is anything but regular. I would love to have a consistent practice. I have visions of taking some time each morning for myself to do yoga, but I’m just not at that stage right now. There is sleep deprivation because of early morning feedings for the baby, and my preschooler who needs cuddling often takes priority.

I’ve accepted that but I also know that yoga is important to me, and I know that it makes me feel better when I practice. So how do I fit my yoga in? It is completely spontaneous. I do feel blessed that before this point in my life I had practiced enough yoga to recognize its benefits for me, and I know how particular poses make me feel and how they will help me. So I try to draw on that experience to help me through my days.

Sometimes a yoga session is inspired by the three year old. She loves yoga poses and will spontaneously go into downward facing dog or tree pose. This often leads to a mini yoga session with me leading her through some animal-themed poses. We have lots of fun breathing like lions, slithering like cobras, and meowing and mooing like cats and cows.

At other times I practice in response to stress. I may be feeling very worn out at the end of an afternoon (or sometimes just after breakfast!). When I find myself snapping at my child or my husband or just lacking in motivation, I will often stop and do some deep breathing, a few rounds of a modified sun salutation and some seated twists. It’s a quick and easy way to become grounded again, connect with myself, and refocus.

But my favorite yoga practice right now is a breathing exercise. I have found that it is the perfect opportunity to practice the Ujjayi breath when I am trying to calm down the baby or when I am putting him to sleep. The breathing helps me to slow down, relax, and remember to enjoy this time rather than thinking about the hundred other things I feel like I need to get done. At the same time the rhythmic sound of the breaths, like ocean waves, helps to calm and relax my baby. Often, it only takes a few minutes of breath work and he’s asleep! And amazingly, at that point I often find I am not ready to put him down. I find myself staring at him, feeling his weight in my arms, and truly enjoying this fleeting stage of our lives.

How beautiful is Alyssa’s story? I love that she not only sees physical benefits from her spontaneous practice, she also feels it shift her mood and mindset! Plus, she is setting such an awesome example for her two kiddos – who clearly benefit from mom’s yoga, too! 

Do you practice yoga outside of a public class? I’d love to hear about it! Whether it’s a formal practice where you roll out your mat or just a few poses you squeeze in at the office, I would love to feature your story here at Every Breath I Take. 

I’m looking for a guest posts to run periodically in the Yoga section from real people who find a way to practice yoga outside of a formal yoga class. I want readers to hear that it’s possible and beneficial – from someone other than a yoga teacher like myself. 

It doesn’t have to be long, just a few paragraphs about what your “home” (or office or grocery store or hotel, etc.) practice looks like. Please send guest post submissions to jennifer@everybreathitake.com. (If you have a blog or a website, include it so I can link to it in your guest post!)