I practiced every exercise known to possibly ease the baby's journey through the birth canal and out of my body. And the slow, meditative breathing I had been practicing through all of this would truly ease my pain during childbirth. Fortunately, my breathing practice made it second nature for me to slowly inhale and then exhale to a count of eight. Yoga also helped smooth my recovery from childbirth and then served as a link between my old, childless life and my life as a mother. Today, I look forward to my weekly yoga class for many reasons.
Physical fitness is one, of course.
That is yoga. Meditative potential is another. When I am late to pick up my son from preschool, I notice my tight shoulders and short breaths, stop, breathe deeply, and move on. This awareness is yoga. And there is a wider reason, too.