How is Yoga Philosophy relevant to Parenthood?
Does the word philosophy sound heavy to you? Perhaps it brings forth images of tomes of thick books or deep, extended contemplation?
It’s true that the rishis (sages) of South Asia who channelled yoga philosophy were likely to have been less caught up in the practicalities of day-to-day life than parents today. In fact, you may sometimes wish as a parent, or parent-to-be, that you could become a hermit (at least for a little while) and escape the responsibilities and chaos of life (I promise you the thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion!).
So if you journeying through matresence sounds just about as far as you could get from a yogi meditating in a Himalayan cave, think again…
if you do yoga poses or breathwork, you are undertaking practices that were born out of and have been handed down from philosophical wisdom modalities
just as the sages of old modelled values and behaviours for their community, your values and behaviours shape your family and your local community
The first two limbs of yoga, yama and niyama, offer guidelines to support our everyday attitudes and interactions. You can learn more about how yama and niyama are an integral part of yoga here. But for now, if your interest is sparked, here is a very brief but practical interpretive summary of this ancient philosophy.
Yama
External interactions - thought, word, deed.
Ahimsa
Kindness
‘self-compassion is the first step’
Niyama
Internal observances - the ripple effect
Saucha
Purity
‘cleansing (physical, mental & emotional) creates space for what is important to you’
Satya
Truthfulness
‘your Truth transcends your labels’
Santosha
Contentment
‘practice gratitude - like manifests like’
Asteya
Generosity
‘give and receive - you are abundant and worthy of both’
Tapas
Self-discipline
‘there is always a choice… what is for your highest good?’
Bramacharya
Moderation
‘managing your energy opens space to be present now’
Svadhyaya
Self-study
‘growth is in taking the journey, not reaching the destination’
Aparigraha
Non-attachment
‘letting go of attachment brings freedom & flow’
Ishvara Pranidhana
Surrender with Devotion
‘let go of preconceived expectations of your children - just give them your love’
If any of these values resonate with you, or are values you wish to deepen into or incororate into your lifestyle, you may be interested in learning more through our Practical Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood program. Reflection and yoga practices based upon yama and niyama and how they apply to conception, pregnancy and parenthood can:
Guide the establishment of clear intentions and values to support pregnancy and early parenthood.
Provide a source of comfort or an anchor point when hormones, worries, the onset of another period, the discomforts of pregnancy, or the challenges of parenthood seem overwhelming.
Inform the lifestyle adjustments parents or parents-to-be may wish to take to support the development of children and parental roles.
Begin the establishment of a connection with an unborn child or deepen the connection parents have with children.
Provide a point of reflection from which parents and parents-to-be can grow and evolve, in sync with their child/ren’s development, growth and constant transformation.
May your parenthood journey be filled with joy.