How to get on the mat, when your kids won’t get off it! 

I didn’t have a home practice for a long time. I had a vision of a beautiful solo practice with my candles and soft music playing in the background. When I couldn’t manage that, I gave up. I gave myself permission to cop out. It took a long time for me to learn that if I want to practice, I have to accept the practice available to me at the time. I started with a few rounds of a moving meditation beside the cot when my eldest was settling to sleep and it has grown from there. Here’s some of what I’ve learned so that you can get your home practice off to a better start.

Let go:

It’s easy to get attached to the idea of something but that attachment automatically takes us out of the moment. Get on the mat, move (or don’t!) and see what comes. If that’s children, then accept that this won’t be a solo practice, and make of it what you can. The more you are on the mat around your kids, the less novel it will become, and eventually they’ll either join in, or leave you be.

On that same note, let go of expectations around how your practice should look, and how you should look in it. Pyjamas are perfect for practicing yoga and if your practice is five sun salutes in your work trousers, or a moving meditation in your jeans, then fantastic. You moved. The same goes for mats. It’s lovely to practice on a yoga mat. And it’s lovely to practice in the grass, and on a rug in the hallway. If you fancy a challenge, try practicing in your socks on the wooden floor. 

Teach:

If your kids are interested in what you’re doing, roll a towel out for them and let them mimic your movements or create their own. Not only is it hugely beneficial for children to practice yoga, (that’s a whole other post!) it means they likely won’t be on your mat.

Simplify:

My daily practice is almost always sun salutations. It means that if my kids are milling around, or the Paw Patrol are providing the ambience, I don’t get lost in my practice, I know what comes next and it is automatic in my body. Of course I love to play and try new postures, but I don’t do that when my kiddos are awaiting their morning Cheerios. Know your audience! 

Laugh:

We have this idea that there is no laughter in reverence. Remember, this is your practice. It doesn’t have to be solemn and silent. You can celebrate your practice in whatever form works for you and your family. Your toddler sits on your back in plank or climbs under your down dog? Have a giggle. It is what it is. 

Personally, I love weight on my torso for Savasana. Sometimes that’s a sandbag, sometimes it’s my 2 year old! 

Kick everyone out:

Sometimes I know I would really benefit from a solo practice. I make the time to practice solo. This is where I have my candles lighting and I even dress for the occasion. I reserve the most coveted cartoons for this time, or I lean on my supports to give me that time just for me. It’s about finding balance and flexibility, in every sense.

Go to a class:

Of course now that we can, going to a class is the perfect way to give yourself the gift of time on the mat without any interruptions. This way you can develop and grow your practice in a safe and supported environment. Yoga teachers are happy to share their tips for carving out time for practice in a busy day so don’t be afraid to ask questions about how to take what you learn home and onto your own mat.