The Type-A-er's Guide to Chillin' in Childs Pose

Photo credit: mindbodygreen.com

As a total Type-A-er, I have always struggled with giving myself a break.

This goes for my schedule, my daily tasks (multitask much?), my hobbies, my former life as a total exercise and running fanatic, and yes, even my yoga practice.

When I first began practicing, I don't think I ever came into child's pose (balasana) because in my opinion, child's pose was for giving yourself a moment of rest--and "I don't need rest." Why? Because I'm super-human? Because I'm crazy and think I'm better than everyone else? No. For a long time I believed I didn't deserve to rest. I know, crazy, right?

And I think I still have some of those feelings hidden in the back of my mind, but I'm working on it. Which is why I've also been working (for a while now) on allowing myself to come into child's pose whenever I am craving it. I encourage my students to do so, I remind them and urge them to listen to their bodies over and over during my classes...but because I, too, am just a humble person learning from my practice, I sometimes struggle to do the same. And don't we always end up teaching what we need that day--what we're working on?

So, here's a little challenge that I propose to all of my fellow Type-A-ers out there (and you know you love a good challenge!)...pick a number of times that you're going to come into child's pose during your practice each time that you come to your mat. You can change it by the day, depending on how you're feeling before you come onto the mat, but be sure to decide your number before you practice. Maybe it's just 1 extra time (above and beyond when the teacher tells everyone to, thus giving you a "justifiable reason" to relax), or maybe it's 3-4 imes. Whatever the number, stick to it. Vow to listen to your body during your practice and search for those moments when child's pose will really serve you. Maybe it's not your physical body that's tired in these moments--maybe you notice that your mind isn't present, that you're miles away from your body--and let that be your reason for coming to child's pose, to come back to your breath. 

---

Photo credit: righteousyogini.com/

I know, it sounds simple, but for some of us, taking a break isn't always even an option in our mind, so we have to learn to make it an option, to remind ourselves to surrender. I hope that by conducting this experiment with myself, I'll be able to come into child's pose more often once I stop using this "trick" to make my way there. I love child's pose, and I do come into it when I need a break in my practice, but definitely not enough. So I'm going to try this.

Another way to increase your child's pose frequency in life in general? Make child's pose your daily yoga practice. 

If you know you aren't going to have time for a full practice one day, just find 5 minutes to come into childs pose. Take a few variations of the pose...try knees out wide, with your chest sinking into the space between them, then try knees together, rounding the spine. Walk your hands over to the left, feeling a deep stretch in your right side body, and then switch sides. Enjoy this pose for what it offers, and enjoy the way it helps you tune in and slow down. Ahhhhhh.

So make some time in your day for some child's pose! And remember, you deserve a break. Your body works so hard for you all day long...why not come into this pose and give it thanks?

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

---