The Yoga Opportunist (continued)

Husband is holding baby.

Me: “Okay I’m going to sneak off for some yoga . . . “

H: “How long do you need?”

How long do I need?! I don’t need much, I would like about a week, please.

I had my longest practice since the wee one came along (40 minutes whoop!) and I feel totally blissful. I used to practice pretty much every day for an hour, no wonder I was so ruddy happy.

My yoga opportunism as a new mother continues.

Now I have a yoga mat set up permanently next to the bed so that when little one naps it is ready for some action. (It also doubles up as a handy wipe-able puke-catcher for night-times). I’ve discovered you can get a good down-dog-type stretch when walking downhill with a pram and letting the weight of it stretch out your back. I found myself marking an essay in a forward bend grinning inanely at my baby to keep her happy, and laughed at how I’m still trying to do everything.

Although most sessions these days are the briefest flirt with yoga-world, it is full of adventure. Interestingly I have few thoughts of what my body could do pre-birth. Instead there are poses rediscovered, a body (and mind) healing.

My first post-natal sun salutation was sheer beauty.

I can do bridge pose and lunges without feeling like my scar will rip.

I can lay on my front without extreme boob pain.

My first headstand was a head-rushy joy (though followed by 20 minutes of very un-lady-like noises).

Small victories!

I value every pose so much, as I know that any second I will need to focus on that beautiful little (growing) creature again.