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The 100 days of May is upon us. It’s comprised of Mother’s Day and often hectic end-of-school year demands. Perhaps no coincidence, it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month.
Maybe AI can help you take items off your To Do list? Even with the overwhelm, to manage it all, I do yoga. It helps me handle whatever is coming at me more clearly, calmly and collectively.
Recently, I was struck by these lines in Maggie Smith’s poem:
“Let me love the world like a mother.”
“Let me be tender when it lets me down.“
I love the way she is attuned to the simultaneous heartbreak and wonder of the world -- and her determination to keep on loving it. Isn’t that what we do for our children? Love them no matter what, and they love us too, even when they say, “I hate you!”
For all the giving you do, Mother’s Day is for you to ask for what you want and to receive it or maybe even be surprised! What do you want?
- Breakfast in bed - make sure it comes with a clean kitchen!
- Alone time so you can refresh and renew - hello spa day!
- Activity time so you can play together - hello Mother’s Day family yoga event!
Whatever you do, I hope it’s just for you. Listen to the Hella MomVersations podcast to learn more about how moms like to celebrate. Happy Mother’s Day!
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The world only has until the 2030s to stop “irrevocable damage” to the planet. By 2050, twice as many city dwellers won’t have access to safe water.
For Earth Day 2023, we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet.
Here are 3 ways to celebrate Earth Day:
1. Spring Cleaning time — According to the American Cleaning Institute (yep, it’s a real thing), 78% of Americans participated in spring cleaning in 2022. That may be because it benefits for your mind and your body.
2. Avoid “Forever chemicals.” Recently, the EPA proposed a limit on six types of forever chemicals, aka PFAS, in drinking water. However, there are thousands of other types, and many are still being added to products people use daily — from food packaging to cosmetics.
3. Clear your body and mind. Strengthen, stretch and de-stress with yoga and a special project to help the planet. Have fun, take meaningful action and level up awareness.
A portion of proceeds benefits EarthDay.org. What will you do? Get inspired, take action and be a part of the green revolution. Sign to show your support. For Earth Day I...
…will push for climate literacy
…will support Sustainable Fashion
…will help end Plastic Pollution
I look forward to hearing what you’ll do.
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As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we celebrate and advocate for the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But for all our advances, problems persist for girls, women and mothers.
Key stressors include constantly worrying over children and childcare, unreasonable expectations at work, partners not stepping up, and politicians who can't enact helpful policy. But women are not resigned, they are reprioritizing — putting their own wellbeing first — because no one else will. Here’s how yoga helps ease some issues.
1. Girls are hitting puberty early — like 8 years old. Children diagnosed with precocious puberty almost doubled between 2016 and 2021, with a sharp post-2020 spike. When researchers investigated possible reasons that more girls were entering puberty sooner, they focussed on three main factors. One was stress. Yoga for girls and teens strengthens, stretches and de-stresses their bodies and minds. It also reduces period pain.
2. Maternal mortality rates went up 40% in 2021 compared to the previous year according to a recent CDC report. That’s about 33 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite medical advancements, the US — one of the wealthiest countries in the world — has seen a rise in the maternal death rate for years. Black women are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. Prenatal yoga can help pregnant people sleep better, reduce back pain and ease the birthing experience.
3. Gender inequality with the average woman earning just 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man and the imbalance of unpaid labor at home. However, both men and women are likely to live longer with a growing body of research showing that advances in women's rights benefit everyone. Yoga is for everyone to balance energy. Men and women benefit equally from regular mindfulness, movement, and meditation practice.
So to all the women and female-identifying peeps who brave the day, show up with open hearts and empower, motivate, and inspire you to always pursue your wellbeing every day and all year round…. thank you. 🙏
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This Friday, my first born turns 21 years old. Wow! Seriously?! It’s the anniversary of my birthing her. And the moment that forever changed my life. As I reflect on the ongoing motherhood journey, I’m reminded of what matters most in her precious life, and mine.
1. My right to have her (or not to). Freedom is having agency over your body. I’m so grateful to have had this liberty. Currently, my daughter’s, and millions of other birthing people’s rights, are at risk. For me, their choice is between them and their God, not legislators who want to control them. Vote them out!
2. Surrounded by loving support. Having a partner, family, friends and a community that wraps their arms around you, and your growing child, is essential. There are so many moments where circles of support with other parents, teachers and kind leaders not only educate and enrich our lives, but save them. Connection matters!
3. Success skills built in. My daughter was a 2020 high school graduate. Covid created so much loss for her personally, and for her entire grade who were launching to college. Three years later, many still struggle to balance their lives. Confidence builds resilience, and the ability to adapt - is everything. Learn it to live it!
Major milestones have been reached like, walking, talking and graduating. Now, she’s a young adult and I listen to her. I hear where she’s at. I remember where I was at at the same age. In some ways we are similar, and in other ways, there’s a world of difference.
Every step of the way, I remember the power of the brain - specifically neuroplacticity. Knowing that you have the ability to break negative patterns and re-shape them is extremely powerful. It’s what I learned in yoga. It’s why I teach yoga to children and adolescents. Strengthening, stretching and stressing less are the skills our kids need to succeed in today’s world.
Happy birthday to my darling, Kate! She inspired me to start IYK® when she modeled my sun salutations (perfectly modified) at 18 months old. At 21, I bow to you, dear one, for making me a mother, and for the privilege of having you as my daughter. Shine bright, baby!
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Spring is the season of regrowth when the natural world revives and reinvigorates after a cold winter. New seedlings sprout, dormant plants begin to grow again and hibernating animals awake.
The Spring equinox is when the day and night are almost equal. There are two equinoxes each calendar year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring, or vernal, equinox occurs on March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere. Following the flow of the season, we too can spring to new life! Unlike the New Year when intentions or SMART goals are set in the dead of winter, spring gives us the good luck and spark to make things happen.
Here are 3 ways to celebrate Spring:
1. Enjoy a nature walk. Look for signs of new life on trees and flowers. My favorites are the daffodils, tulips and cherry blossoms that burst this time of year when the temperatures rise.
2. Seek balance. With the length of the day and night being equal, notice areas of your life that need to be equalized. Make sure you have enough work and play as well as energy and rest.
3. Come to family yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to energize and equalize. Our Spring Equinox event is outdoors at the stunning Palace of Fine Arts. We’ll do a special spring craft after class and this event supports Hamilton Families.
Enjoy the season! Utilize the natural energy of new life to spring onward and upward toward your dreams. It’s a great time to learn something new like how to be an IYK® Warrior too!