Acceptance and even kindness towards one’s self is particularly difficult when you have a child who is ill. As a parent, we hang on to any small semblance of control we can find in a world that often feels out of control. At least I did. I’ve found yoga to be very helpful in dealing with these feelings.

I am not nearly as disciplined in my practice as I should be but the thing about yoga is it is forgiving; does not include blame or guilt. It is about acceptance and letting go. I thought I would share something I tried in my yoga class that struck me as much more than just "yoga". It seemed rather a life lesson.

Starting from a child's pose or balasana (sitting on legs tucked under and pointing behind, head forward onto the floor, arms along my side) we then placed a small rolled blanket on our thighs (between abdomen and thighs). The leader told us that it would feel "somewhat" uncomfortable, perhaps even slightly painful. IF we could simply notice the "uncomfortable-ness" but not resist it, the discomfort would soon subside and we would begin to relax and feel centered.

 My body was initially very tense and, as our instructor noted, it was afraid it would be hurt so it was in "protection mode" and staying on high alert. Yet as I relaxed, and noticed but didn't fight against the stress, the discomfort lessened and my body began to feel so good.

I have found this to be true in life, as well. We resist things that we automatically think will hurt us, we tense our bodies and our minds. We can't quite "let go" and trust. The more deliberately we try to release and relax the harder it is to do. But if we notice our feelings and sit with it rather than resist, slowly we begin to let go and the pain is released. We feel easier and more centered. This is very hard to do with life but likely, as with yoga, easier with practice.

Often when our minds are spinning out of control with worry about our children we struggle harder and harder to gain control. At least I do. I have, at times, been able to just sit with this feeling and offer some kindness to myself, and finally, I feel a sense of relief. Easier with practice. I wish you a small window of peace and kindness in your day. Take care of you. Namaste!