A Yogi’s Post Mother’s Day Thought

A Yogi’s Post Mother’s Day Thought

By Susan Laskoff

The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.

 – Thich Nhat Hnah –

I am one of those sentimental people moved by emotion on big holidays: overcome with gratitude on Thanksgiving, Peace on Earth at Christmas, resolutions on New Years, Love on Valentines Day, and tenderness on Mother’s Day.  However, I pause during these times, trying not to buy into the commercial nature of the big holidays with their fleeting grand gestures.  I try to resist the lure to express emotions and give thanks only on a few specially denoted days during the year.  

I am currently reading, The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar, the son of famed Guru Krishnamacharya, and a modern day yoga master in his own right.  Desikachar writes that, “Yoga attempts to create a state in which we are always present – really present – in every action in every moment.”  This means we pay attention to our movements not just in the yoga poses, but in the transitions between the poses, and even in the spaces between the breaths.

 The lessons we learn about being present in yoga class can carryover to times when we are off our yoga mats.  Being truly present means we give thanks always, not just on Thanksgiving. Being present means expressing our love and appreciation daily.  So, perhaps instead of a big Mother’s Day celebration (or in addition to), tell your mother or mother figure how you feel about her often, give thanks earnestly and regularly, and always show gratitude and appreciation. These acknowledgements in the small moments are the true lessons of yoga.

 *If you want to learn more about the history of yoga or the philosophy of yoga, the Harmony Yoga Teacher Training begins the end of June.  Inquires welcome!

For more information on our teacher training program, please visit www.harmonyyoga/teachertraining