Namaste.

Here we are. Finally. My yoga journey...

When I was about 15, I fell down the stairs with my younger brother. He was only about 2 at the time. I really hurt my back, and I've been paying for it ever since. I remember after it happened I had nights where I was in tears just with frustration and exhaustion- I found it hard to sleep because I could never get comfortable and was often in pain.

Fast forwarding through years of on and off pain and discomfort to pregnancy. HELLO SPD! Basically, I can't remember the last time I was able to lift something, bend over to do up a strap or lean over a cot without experiencing pain and incredible stiffness. It takes no genius to imagine how many times a day I might find myself doing that! After Olivia, I was referred to a physiotherapist who specialised in Women's health. I went to her with my back pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), a very weak pelvic floor and a dodgy left knee. I felt like a complete and utter hypochondriac. I was amazed when she showed me how it was all part and parcel of the same problem, rather than several separate things. She assessed my movement and was surprised when she noticed that three vertibrae on the left hand side of my lower back were completely immobile. After months of special stretches, exercises and manipulation, I finally got the OK to start a regular exercise routine. Inspired by a friend of mine, Lara Becar who has a little boy who is in between Isaac and Olivia;s ages, posted pictures of herself doing these amazing yoga poses and talked of the emotional and spiritual impact yoga was having on her (....you can read her blog here http://lewisandclarkstyle.blogspot.com...) I decided to try it. She was doing YouTube videos via "Yoga with Adriene", which is hugely popular amongst the yogi community, so I tried it too. After my first day, I felt great. I felt empowered and alive! I've done it almost every day since then, adapting it to fit my needs and how I feel, and it has changed my life.
Let me say that again.

IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE.

Pregnancy and parenting has not only taken a toll on my back, but on my body and my spirit. I have bits that wobble. Who knew?! I once inhabited a body that was fit, strong and toned. NO MORE, PEOPLE! I don't remember when it and I parted ways, but it was a while ago.
I almost always leave the house wearing make-up from 3 days ago and bed-hair from 2 days ago. I seem to always wear clothes with perpetual baby stains on...yoghurt, dribble, food.... I wear food stains like their the new accessory at London Fashion Week.
And I hate it. I hate that I have forgotten how to make time for myself. Yoga has changed me.
Not only do I experience an incredible increase in back pain when I don't do it, and a phenomenal ease of movement when I do, but I am happier, I feel prettier, I feel stronger, I feel more feminine. I feel proud of myself for making 30 mins every day to do this. Here is how my life has improved from doing yoga. Disclaimer: There will be some abstract ideas below. Believe me. I didn't believe the hippy hocus pocus stuff either. I was in it for the physical benefits. Nothing could have prepared me for the spiritual ones.

• I start my day invigorated.
• Yoga teaches me to honour where I am, both in my yoga practise that day, and in my life. I don't need to compare myself to anyone. I can be proud of where I am and what I have achieved.
• Yoga teaches me to breathe and find peace and patience through doing so. With two children, this has been a mercy.
• Yoga has helped me to be present in every moment. This means I have developed an ability to more fully treasure the moments I share with my children and my husband. 
• Yoga teaches me to pay attention to how I am feeling, emotionally and physically. This new awareness of self has helped me to find greater satisfaction in my life. I notice when I'm feeling comfortable, whether I'm standing on the floor or lying in my bed, I can feel it. I notice when I am feeling happy, peaceful, content, etc. It also helps me to make adjustments when I am feeling uncomfortable or unhappy.
• Yoga makes me feel beautiful, which impacts my confidence and my self worth. This, in turn, affects the way I parent and the way I 'wife'. 
• Yoga has given me confidence to try new things and to push myself.
• Yoga has taught me to rejoice when pushing myself has paid off, and to rejoice when it hasn't because I tried.
• It's restored strength to the parts of my body that were weak.
• It has taught me how completely amazing the human body is.
• It has taught me the power of mind working with body.
• It has taught me that I can endure discomfort. 
• It has helped me to develop my inner smile. 
• It has demonstrated to me how discipline is a blessing and how restrictions are liberating. 
• My arms are stronger.
• My obliques have made a welcome appearance. Well, hi there!
• I am actually seeing definition in my stomach. 
• It's helped me to start running again- an exercise I used to love doing but one that became completely closed off to me.

So. I'm sure I will think of more, but this is a decent start. Honestly, it has been amazing.

Try it. Try it today. I do between 20-30 mins every day. I do it with my children around and sometimes they join in. I treasure that time with myself. I need it and I notice the days I don't do it. I love the opportunity for daily introspection. I also use the time to say a little prayer. God gave me my body and I know he will help me to maintain it in a way that is good and positive for me. It seems only right that I include him in my practise. 

So, friends, here's to inner strength, balance, poise, grace and beauty, as well as outer. Yoga has changed my life. 

Take one big, beautiful breath. Namaste.

I never thought I would ever be able to do this. But I can. And it feels amazing.