Finding Santosha

It seems that pregnancy hormones plus increased time in asana practice have contributed to an issue in my left sacroiliac joint.  Apparently it is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop an issue here, and in fact last pregnancy I had the problem on the right side- but didn't know then what it was.  So this week, I spent a lot of time researching SI fixes/modifications/contraindications, and have spent some time making peace with the fact that I may, really, have to take it easy for a while.  I attended a Gentle Yoga and Meditation class and still managed to push too far- at the end of the class I was twinging and wincing with the pain in the joint.  The next class I attended was a basic Yoga 1.  I made the teacher aware of my issues and she gave me some really good tips on poses to do (utkatasana against a wall) and tips to keep the pelvis stabilized.  I still have a lot of questions about dealing with SI issues:  Do balancing poses such as Warrior 3 work to improve stabilization of SI and pelvis through strengthening the muscles around the joint?  How do internally-rotated femur forward bends, such as wide-legged forward bend, effect SI troubles- for better or worse?  I've been on my bike a lot, is that helpful or harmful?  I know the ultimate answer is that if I have questions or doubts, hold back and respect the body's limits.  And be content with where I am and what I'm able to do, right here, right now.  

There's me!

Spring Energy Stirring

Hallelujah, I'm back in business!  Ebbing nausea, rising energy levels and a pain-free mouth led to a good week of home practice, class attendance, and self-study (svadhyaya was this week's fridge flashcard).  Began with an evening gentle yoga and meditation class by one of my favorite teachers.  I admire her ability to tailor her classes to suit her students' needs- every time, she asks the class if anyone has any areas they'd like to focus on, which they invariably do, and she manages to effortlessly incorporate these foci into her flow.  For the meditation she had us do a "bumble-bee" breathing technique which involved the class making loooong, slow "humming" sounds on our exhales.  The effect of sound and vibration from the constant, flowing hum of a dozen people, breathing in their own rythym, was hypnotic.  She ended the class by using her crystal singing bowls during savasana, which I greatly enjoyed, they seem to put me in an energy-charged trance.

The other class I attended this week couldn't be further from the gentle yoga and mediation class.  Oh, Mommy and Me yoga, I always come to you with such high hopes... I should really adjust my expectations, because if the baby isn't cooperating, then it makes me more tense than I was before I came in!  I do enjoy the instructor, she makes an effort to know everyone's names, and manages to guide the moms, wrangle the babies, keep everyone safe and still exude an aura of happy relaxation.  Girl's got skills.

Home practice is evolving in tandem with P's nap schedule.  My previously peaceful morning baby nap hour may soon be history.  A couple times this week I went ahead and did a short practice while P played around, and sometimes on, me.  It was actually pleasant, he seems to enjoy mommy doing all these funny moves, and while I can't always maintain my focus it's darn good practice.  Additionally my dear husband has consented to be guinea pig with my cueing and homework assignments, and he actually did an evening asana session with me tonight!  I hope he'll continue to enjoy yoga with me and want to take part, it's incredibly helpful for me to have to go slow, break things down and respect that he's coming at this as a newbie.  If you read this, I love you honey, thank you for supporting me!

Spring IS coming, I can feel it!

     

The Body Says No

Practice has been hindered by continued overwhelming fatigue and nausea.  I did manage to attend a prenatal yoga class in the new Shining Light Prenatal Center in Lawrenceville, which I've been wanting to visit for a while, and the space was lovely.  The teacher had a strong leaning to the kundalini style, which isn't always my cup of tea but the chants and energy seemed to fit well with the prenatal aspect.  I was actually the only student there, so I got a little extra attention which was nice.  I came in to the class all flustered and frustrated, I was late and had had a challenging morning with husband and child, but managed to find the peace and centering I needed and ended up in tears, again!  The pregnancy combined with the opening tendencies of yoga leave me amazingly sensitive.  Unfortunately, I did again experience a few strong waves of nausea during the class.  Some of the deep breathing, plus cat/cow exercises (?) seem to trigger the nausea.  I'm hoping that this period of fatigue and nausea will pass soon and I can get back to business (other areas of life besides yoga are being effected as well- my house is a total mess and my poor child is sadly neglected!), but the body rules here and I surrender.  

That's what I'm talking about!