Inspiration

In life and in my classes, I am frequently inspired. Being a mom, I am inspired by my children daily. As a yoga teacher, I am inspired by students who push themselves to break a sweat or delve deeper into their yoga practice outside of class.

The New York City Marathon was November 4th and a new mom won. Only nine months postpartum, this woman trained through her pregnancy and got back in soon after giving birth. Running is her passion and her profession, so this is her number one priority. Even her strongest competition had to nod to the winner by coming back so soon after birth and winning the race.

Right after she won, she ran over to her daughter and husband and kissed them both. This whole family was and is in it together. Full support is a big part of what helped her succeed.

All the news about her mostly talks about her training and her injuries and if it was wise to train through pregnancy as she did and do the marathon so soon after having a baby. Whatever her reasons and choices, she won in so many ways. She proved to herself and the world that it can be done.

Maybe I don't agree with all her choices, myself, but I have to give her credit for such an achievement. She believed in the possibility, visualized the win and created the reality. The power of the mind and willpower is a wonderful thing.

A little closer to home, one of my prenatal yoga students who was carrying twin girls recently gave birth. Her last trimester was a stressful one, as it started with both girls in breech position. She was nervous and worried and wanted to avoid a C-section more than anything else in the world.

I gave her some poses and suggestions to help coax the girls into birthing position and slowly but surely, baby "A" moved head down. Then baby "B" moved transverse (sideways) with her head angled down. About a week before their due date, baby "B" moved head down and the girls were head to head. This was happy news, but there was still a chance that induction or a C-section could be the outcome.

Again, I came back with visualizations, affirmations and lots of encouragement for my student, because I truly believed that she could have the birth she wanted. She already has a two year old delivered vaginally, the path had already been paved for her baby sisters.

On her last doctor's visit before her scheduled induction, she was told that she would not have to be induced after all, because she was already 3cms dilated, contracting and in labor. The next day, she went to the hospital and delivered both girls within three hours.

She thanks yoga for helping her achieve her dream delivery and I second that, because with yoga, she discovered and rely on her inner strength that was already there, she was able to let herself relax, tune into her own body and her girls and create this beautiful birthing experience.

I cheer for both of these women. These women inspire me. For me, they are inspired to achieve their dreams, whatever they might be. What inspires you? How do you inspire others?

As we near Thanksgiving, I am thankful that people like this exist in life and theirs have crossed with my path in life as well. Stepping into the holiday season of potential stress, emotional overlaod and chaos, think of these women who were both able to push all that aside and focus on their goals, their dreams. Follow their lead to inspire and be inspired!