Yogic Wisdom: Philosophy for Modern Motherhood
Explore the deep connection between ancient yoga philosophy and the realities of motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum, through my personal journey and practice.
"In that joyous state of Yog, called samadhi, one experiences supreme boundless divine bliss, and thus situated, one never deviates from the Eternal Truth." A beautiful quote from the Bhagavad Gita that resonates deeply with the state of connection felt during pregnancy.
This video is a live reading from Chapter 9 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," focusing on Garudasana (Eagle Pose). I discuss the stories of Garuda and Jatayu, and how they represent focus, bravery, and devotion in our practice.
This video is a live reading from Chapter 7 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," on Kurmasana (Tortoise Pose). I explore the symbolism of the tortoise, representing perseverance, calm assessment, and the wisdom of withdrawing inward to rejuvenate.
This video is a live reading from Chapter 3 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," on Balasana (Child's Pose). I discuss the stories of baby Krishna and the student Eklavya to explore themes of inner divinity, devotion, and learning through setbacks.
A live reading from Chapter 2 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," on Anjaneyasana. I delve into the story of Hanuman's mother, Anjaneya, and what her tapasya (austerity) teaches us about faith, courage, and devotion in our own yoga practice.
"Bravery isn't the absence of fear, it is the mastery of fear." A quote from Chapter 12 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," reflecting on the story of Hanuman and how we can soar to great heights by mastering our own fears.
In Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose), our limbs are seemingly 'tied,' yet we perform an asana. This signifies that devotion is a challenge, but we must rise to it. This is a reflection from my book, "Beyond Asanas."
"Yoga seeks to teach the practitioner to appreciate what exists." A quote from Chapter 5 of my book, "Beyond Asanas," reminding us to find beauty in all phases, just like the delicate sliver of the moon is as beautiful as the full moon.
In this conversation, yoga teacher Mariela Cruz shares how losing her guru gave her the strength to walk her own path as a student and a mother. It's a moving parallel to how a mother must let her child go so they can both grow.
As a first-time mother, I often wonder how to raise an independent child without losing myself. In this clip, Mariela Cruz talks about the importance of letting your children go so they can grow into the individuals they are meant to be.
About Yogic Wisdom: Philosophy for Modern Motherhood
These aren't just readings; they are deep dives into how traditional asana philosophy directly supports your maternal journey. I break down the mythology behind poses like Kurmasana and Anjaneyasana, showing you how they offer more than just physical relief. They provide a framework for resilience, patience, and self-compassion, whether you are trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or recovering in the postpartum phase.
My practice is deeply rooted in the belief that yoga is not just physical exercise; it is a way to live with consciousness and kindness. In this collection, I share insights from my book, 'Beyond Asanas', connecting the stories of figures like Garuda, Hanuman, and baby Krishna to the lived experience of being a mother today.
Why Mythology Matters in Yoga
When we practice an asana, we often focus only on the muscles stretching or the strength we are building. But every posture has a history. For instance, when we practice Anjaneyasana, we aren't just opening our hips; we are connecting with the faith and courage Anjana displayed while navigating her own challenging path. I encourage you to look at your daily yoga as a bridge to understanding your own emotions—fear, devotion, and the need for support.
Practical Philosophy for Every Stage
- For Conception & Fertility: We explore stories like that of Sage Kashyap to find themes of perseverance and the strength to hold steady when the path feels long.
- For Pregnancy: I discuss the symbolism in poses like Balasana (Child's Pose), reminding us that we can tap into our inner divinity and present-moment awareness, much like the famous mother-child bonds in Indian epics.
- For Postpartum: Recovery is not about 'bouncing back'. It is about softening into the changes, much like the flexibility of water. My sessions focus on how we can use props—chairs, bolsters, and belts—to feel safe and held while we navigate the intense demands of early motherhood.
Yoga is a 24/7 practice of service. My goal is to teach you how to use these postures to find your own center, so you can continue to show up as the primary guru in your child's life while keeping your own identity whole.
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