Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience. Helping me during this transitional phase of life was the Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Course.
I waited for 8 weeks after pregnancy before deciding to return to yoga classes. Those weeks were spent adjusting my daily schedule and sleeping patterns according to the baby while my hormones were constantly fluctuating. It was also stressful to manage finances. After consulting my doctor, I was ready to practice and learn Postnatal Yoga. Much more than the worry about removing baby weight, I wanted to restore my peace of mind. It was difficult to manage household duties, the newborn baby, and fitness simultaneously. At that moment, I discovered online classes for Postnatal Yoga.
While browsing many websites, I found the 20 Hours Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training at Arhanta Yoga Ashram to be a great idea. It was an affordable course with the flexibility of studying at my own pace. The detailed syllabus and the online support of teachers made me comfortable to register for this course.
I am glad to share my experience of participating in the Online Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Course. I hope it will encourage mothers to become physically and mentally fit.
Practice space at home and online facilities for a yoga class
The advantage of online yoga is that you can practice it from your living room or a terrace. You only require a strong internet connection and a zoom app downloaded on your mobile or laptop. A well-ventilated room with a yoga mat, and a water bottle by my side, I was ready for my first yoga class. My yoga teacher, Lucia Seglie, instantly made me feel comfortable. Studying the basics of Postnatal Yoga and postpartum conditions made me aware of the benefits I can avail from this course. It was not a usual class of yoga with difficult stretches and asanas. The simple breathing exercises rejuvenated me. I realized that after pregnancy, this was the first time I could make time for myself and forget my anxieties. The training module also included important notes and yoga books that were sent to me in email. It was great that I could easily download it for reading in my free time.
Awareness of my body’s strength and weakness
Just like a baby slowly learns to walk, likewise, I was making progress in Postnatal Yoga training. I was acutely aware of my weight gain due to pregnancy, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be as slim as I was before pregnancy. The detailed and correct understanding of my body movement has just begun. I was beginning to understand the importance of weight-bearing muscles. Gradually, the regular yoga practice helped release pain in my shoulder, neck, and wrists. There were a lot of asana modifications and adjustments I could do with the help of my expert teacher. Her vast experience in yoga with health advice for maintaining a correct posture made me realize the burden I was putting on my spine. The additional support became my pillow/cushion that worked as a prop in doing Postnatal Yoga. As we progressed in class, my focus and clarity improved during meditation.
Overcoming distractions and maintaining mindful habits
There were many times during the online class when my baby woke up from her sleep, and I had to request my teacher to continue my classes later. Unannounced visits from family and neighbors made it difficult to manage classes. However, there was no pressure to finish my course within a particular time frame. I gained more freedom to revise yoga asanas during my free time. This improved my self-practice and helped me maintain self-discipline. Physical and mental fitness was becoming my priority for myself as well as for the baby. The restorative yoga sessions helped me maintain a calm mind during challenging situations. After a good yoga class, I got a restful sleep and woke up refreshed. I met students from different cultural backgrounds in the online discussion forum. It was inspiring to listen to mothers while discussing foods that provide the necessary fuel for strong muscles. It improved my physical balance while practicing yoga asanas.
Becoming confident and losing weight
As the course extended, I was taught sequencing a class and business nuances to open a yoga studio. I had no intention of becoming a professional yoga instructor, and yet I learned those techniques. The reason is gaining knowledge and building confidence. Teaching is not just a humbling profession but also builds leadership qualities. This is especially required to restore mental strength that helps in becoming a good mother. The anxieties and insecurity that we feel after becoming mothers make us vulnerable and depressed most of the time. These challenges can be overcome with a positive mindset. When our mind is relaxed, the body also responds to receive a good flow of oxygen throughout the body. Losing weight becomes easier with regular practice of yoga.
Conclusion
After completing the Online Postnatal Yoga training, I received a certificate from the internationally accredited Yoga Alliance. This allows me to continue advanced study in yoga whenever required. The training from Arhanta Yoga Ashram inspired me and gave a new direction to my life. My focus has shifted from being an anxious mother to a person focused on healthy habits for my family.
