Thankful Thursday - my yoga students

My Thursday post is dedicated to expressing or communicating the importance of gratitude in life. Yesterday was my final time teaching my power yoga class before maternity leave begins. (I am teaching on Saturday though, just in case any students are reading!)

I must admit to being relieved this commitment is winding down since I am so HUGE and run down, but I didn't realize how bitter sweet it would feel. For about a year and a half, I've been teaching at the YMCA and have created friendships and a sense of community within my classes. Several people attend regularly, and I've been fortunate enough to get to know glimpses at a time of many of them.

My Wednesday night class can be hit or miss with attendees, but last night it was full to the brim, I guess because they knew it was my last one! So that felt really wonderful to have so many share my final night with me before maternity leave. Plus several gave me baby gifts. I really wasn't expecting it, and it overwhelmed me with gratitude.

The best "present" I "received" was from Dave, who has been attending with his wife Shannon for several months now. When he started, he told me he was new to yoga, but I assured him anyone can do it, and I'm glad he believed me! :) Anyhow, Dave's "gift" to me was saying, "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have stuck with the practice." That really meant a lot to me; although I hope it doesn't deter him from continuing the practice of asanas while I'm away. I hope they keep going to class, but I also hope they consider practicing at home together. I think it's wonderful when a couple can share this experience.

So this post is dedicated to my PV YMCA students - you guys rock!

Thank you God for bringing these amazing people into my life - I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to teach them and for the blessing of their presence in my life.

The humor of yoga

Third ... trimester ... wearing ... me ... down.

Thank goodness this is my last week of teaching yoga! I'm sure I will miss it, but girlfriend needs a break!

Since I'm so tired, thought I'd make this short and sweet and share this funny clip from The Jimmy Kimmel show I found on YouTube. He sent his security staff to a yoga class - hilarious!

Meditation for childbirth

Saturday hubby and I attended an all-day childbirth preparation class. After a difficult day at the office Friday, I must admit I wasn't looking forward to spending half of my weekend indoors in class when I could be wallowing in the past. Luckily I woke up Saturday bright and early and felt better about life and more excited about the class. Plus we prepaid so it would have been stupid not to at least go for the morning portion.

About 10 other couples showed up and most were due within the next month (just like me!) or two. During the introductions, we had to share our fears and concerns about the labor and delivery so I said I wasn't really worried about the labor but the hub is so that was the main reason we were there. Sounded like other soon-to-be dads felt the same way in the room.

Definitely didn't regret going - although you may want to ask my husband what he thought! First-time parents should take advantage of this type of class if available because being informed eliminates fear. Well, maybe...

At one point, hubby's hyperventilation through one of the birthing videos almost made me shake him. Yet, luckily for both of us, he seemed to pull it together once the vagina shots were said and done. I will admit seeing the placenta being delivered was trippy, but I'm glad I saw it. Now I'm almost thinking I might have the mirror down south when the baby is crowning, and I NEVER thought I would want to see that. But how often can you observe such a thing, especially when it's your own flesh and blood? And if hubby isn't going to, doesn't one of us need to witness it?

All joking aside, I do think hubby feels more informed and aware of what to anticipate. We learned a lot about the various stages of labor and what to do when - I'll try to share more of those insights later this week such as when to head to the hospital and different laboring positions. About 40 percent of the class was techniques on how to stay calm and relaxed throughout labor, and most were derived from yoga. Several meditation and breathing techniques were discussed plus most of the labor positions are asanas or yoga postures. So I feel really prepared on this front. Think I'm going to focus my personal yoga practice more on meditation and the postures that will help throughout labor like squatting, table and cat/cow.

Since it's "Meditation Monday," I'll share one of the meditations given during the class to prepare for the birth and to do while in labor.

Meditation to prepare for or during labor:

Imagine you are inside your uterus and can see your baby. Say hello to your baby and look deeply into your baby's eyes. Ask how he is doing. Continue talking with your baby as much as you'd like - perhaps sharing your hopes and dreams for him. Then give your baby a hug and kiss and tell him that you can't wait to meet him.