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It’s done. I dropped by youngest at college on Tuesday. He’s attending university on the opposite coast of where I now live and where he grew up. It was both daunting and delightful.
The college drop-off day is a significant milestone, marked by a whirlwind of emotions—pride, anxiety, excitement, and a touch of sadness. As I prepared for this big day, I realized that the skills I had honed through yoga played a crucial role in making this transition smoother for both my child and me. Here’s how yoga equipped us with the mental and emotional tools needed for this momentous occasion.
1. Mindfulness: Staying Present in the Moment
Yoga emphasizes mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. During the college drop-off, it’s easy to get caught up in a flood of future worries or past memories. However, mindfulness helped us savor the present moment. It allowed us to fully experience and cherish these final moments together.
2. Breath Control: Managing Anxiety and Stress
Pranayama, or breath control, helped both my child and me manage the stress and anxiety that naturally accompanied the college drop-off. Breathing exercises calmed our nerves, providing a sense of stability amidst the emotional turbulence. Whenever we felt the surge of emotions, we paused, took a few deep breaths, and found our calm.
3. Flexibility: Adapting to New Situations
Yoga teaches us to be flexible, physically and mentally. The college drop-off involves a lot of new experiences and unexpected changes—from navigating the campus to setting up the dorm room. Embracing the flexibility we cultivated in yoga, we approached each new situation with an open mind and a willingness to adapt for a smoother transition.
4. Strength: Building Emotional Resilience
Yoga builds both physical and emotional strength. The emotional resilience developed through regular practice was crucial during the college drop-off. It’s a time when both parents and children need to be strong — to handle the separation and the new challenges that lie ahead. The inner strength I developed through yoga helped me support my child while also taking care of my own emotional well-being.
5. Letting Go: Embracing Change and Growth
One of the profound lessons of yoga is the art of letting go. Whether it’s letting go of physical tension, negative thoughts, or emotional baggage, yoga teaches us that release is an essential part of growth. The college drop-off is a significant moment of letting go—of seeing your child step into their independence. Yoga helped me accept and embrace this change, understanding that letting go is a natural and beautiful part of life’s journey. The skills learned in yoga not only prepared me and my child for the emotional challenges but also enriched the experience, allowing us to approach this new chapter with grace. As we embark on this new journey, I am grateful for the profound lessons yoga has imparted, guiding us through one of life’s most significant transitions.
Being a Yoga Mom made me a better parent and my kid life-ready. You can do it too. I’ll show you how.