Week 109: Baby Carrier Yoga

"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

- Lisa Workman

I recently learned this lesson when taking the whole family on a weekend excursion. My husband had a soccer tournament and "I" had yet to tag along for what was described as a fun and social weekend. So we packed up the boys and headed off to Saskatoon.

Part of me was thinking, no problem, we can do this. The media, social media, friends and family questions how to travel with two children under the age of three and I kinda felt like, what's the big deal. I'm going to have fun and a social weekend.

This is not what happened...

Now, don't get me wrong, there were wonderful aspects of the weekend (sushi in North Battleford, swimming at the hotel pool) but the not so great parts were spending time in a dark hotel room during the day (naps, anyone?), not sleeping myself at night with the noisy neighbour next door the first night and the anticipation of a noisy baby waking up my quiet neighbours the second night. We didn't even attend one soccer game!

So my learning was...

"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

How does this apply to yoga?

In many ways but particularly to this week's practice of baby wearing yoga.

It is with all good intentions this type of practice. Our teacher is wonderful. Yet, baby boy isn't too keen on being strapped to me, facing inward for a whole hour. Can't blame him, can you? We gave it a try and about ten minutes in, I called an audible. Time for him to come out even though we were the first to do so. Quite frankly, we were both uncomfortable (read: a 20 pound baby strapped to my front is not a friend of my back nor pelvic floor).

I was the odd (wo)man out in class but who cares. I had learned my lesson before and didn't bother pushing myself into something that was not enjoyable. Why bother  bonding with my son or try a yoga practice if it is uncomfortable?

In the end, we will continue to attend the class but will likely be separated by some space...because we can.

Where do you need to step back in your yoga practice or life for some space? And stop doing something just because you can.

More yoga (life) adventures to come,
LW