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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!
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Okay, hear me out because it’s National Be Heard Day on March 7. Who knew? Now, we do! "The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished." —George Bernard Shaw
First of all, it’s take takes (at least) two to communicate: a listener and a speaker. There’s a lot to be said about what it means to feel heard and the skill of how to listen. Let’s break it down.
Active listening means getting out of your own head and trying to understand another person’s point of view. It is conscious process that requires presence and empathy.
Reflective listening is when the listener repeats what the speaker said to ensure what they heard and understood correctly like placing an order and having it reflected back to you.
Discriminative listening is when we hear, interpret or derive meaning from what is being said and how it is said - maybe even how it’s not being said because it’s true that communication is 55% is nonverbal, 38% tone (hello sarcasm), and just 7% words.
Selective listing is ONLY hearing what we want to hear and disregarding the rest. It’s incomplete listening and leads to misunderstanding and misinformation.
Evaluative listening is when the listener makes a judgment about what is being said. How often does this happen - especially with our kids? A lot.
Active and reflective listening are the best ways to be heard and understood along with inquiry when unclear. Asking for clarification helps ensure complete understanding so that we don’t get lost in translation.
Yoga makes you a better listener. When you pay attention and listen to your body, you can receive information and respond more effectively. Listening to your instincts and intuition sharpen with the practice.
Tune in to you and those around you. Try a class with your child or get training in your area. Remember listening is an act of love.
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March 2 is World Teen Mental Wellness Day and there’s lots to talk about like…poor mental health is a problem for adolescents. Results from the CDC's 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey show startling trends.
Fifty. Seven. Percent.
- Nearly 3 in 5 teen girls (57%) said they felt "persistently sad or hopeless." That's the highest rate in a decade.
- And 30% said they have seriously considered dying by suicide — a 60% jump from a decade ago. Almost 70% of LGBTQIA+ students felt the same. The stats are worse for students of color.
"Our teenage girls are suffering through an overwhelming wave of violence and trauma, and it’s affecting their mental health," said Kathleen Ethier, director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health.
Experts counted social media and COVID-19 among the key causes for teens’ negative mental states. Now, health officials say investing in school programs could help. Enter yoga.
Yoga is preventative medicine for teens to build the healthy habits they need to meet today’s challenges. Mindfulness practice, movement, meditation and mindset work fortifies the growing adolescent brain and body to ensure they have the skills they need to succeed.
And it works! 100% of IYK Teens who practice yoga once a week, or more, report feeling “healthier & happier.” Our goal is to make yoga more accessible at school to boost its positive impact for every teen to strengthen, stretch and stress less.