I would like to share with all my parents and caregivers of children the opportunity to experience a very nurturing and therapeutic class designed to uplift and rejuvenate the weary and tired. I have found this class a great way to prepare for the week ahead!
Alecia Scoffone is a registered yoga teacher certified in therapeutic yoga. She holds weekly therapeutic yoga classes on Sundays at 4:30 at The Center for Yoga and Personal Growth in Capitola located at: 716 Capitola Ave. Suite 1…the cross street is Plum (directly behind Gayle’s Bakery) The class is $12.00 Alecia is a wonderful nurturing teacher and following is her explanation of this class.
Therapeutic Yoga as a much needed “time-in” for parents
The practice of yoga invites us to turn our attention inside. We shift our focus from the outer to the inner becoming aware of what is happening within us: Body, Mind, and Heart. By becoming present with what is we have the opportunity to ask ourselves, “How am I doing?” Establishing a regular practice can be a wonderful and satisfying way to integrate time for self-care into your routine. Which is an extremely important part of parenting. When we are not caring for ourselves as parents we become imbalanced leading us to feel exhausted, irritable, and much less patient and even kind with our children.
As a parent of two young children my practice is a way of taking a “time-in” for myself. To be in a space where I can be solely with my own thoughts and feelings without someone asking for a snack or trying to tackle me while I attempt to read on the couch. It is like hitting a reset button for my system. I can come back to me. By practicing being present with myself, I am then able to practice being more present with my children. As I nurture myself, I am better able to nurture them.
For beginner and seasoned yoga practitioner alike therapeutic yoga offers a deeply relaxing place for self-care. Therapeutic yoga combines restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breath work, guided meditation, and hands on healing. This gentle form of yoga requires little effort and allows you to settle deeply into the calmer waters of your own being, as you allow the stresses of the outer world to fade away. With the body fully supported on bolsters and blankets the practice literally does us requiring only that we receive its benefits. With long holds in each posture the body is able to gradually release patterns of tension, helping us to feel more at ease in our bodies. Similarly as the mind settles into a state of deep relaxation, we are able to let go of negative thought patterns like worry and fear and strengthen our pathways in the brain for relaxed being. Altogether creating a healing experience for the mind and body.
As parents we devote ourselves to our children. It is a commendable job that is often overlooked. There is no lunch break or paid holiday. But the rewarding feelings that arise as you watch your child at play or receive an unexpected hug just because are priceless. They inspire us to be the best person we can be. In order to be that person we also need to be devoted to our own well-being. So parents, caregivers, teachers and anyone else who cares for children on a regular basis come and be nurtured so that you can give the best of yourself.
“May all children be happy,
May all parents be happy.
May I be happy!
May I learn to calm down!”
-Charollette Kasl , Author of If the Buddha had Kids.
With all my blessings for a happy, fulfilling parenthood,
June Ralston
