Right before my daughter was born there was a small unpopular film released called "Frozen". Okay, I kid! It was very popular. It is still very popular! There was also that infamous song, "Let It Go" which can prove very difficult to let go of once your brain was exposed to the catchy song.
Post the release of "Frozen", my daughter was well overdue. As some of you can relate, there comes a time when you are fully ready for the baby to leave your body. I was there. And of course, every radio station and television talk show made sure to remind me to "Let It Go". (I really didn't need the reminder! I was ready to let her go!) Every night until she was born, I went to bed with the song in my head and I woke up with it still relentlessly repeating. At that point, I wasn't sure which I wanted to let go of more the song or the seemingly comfortable-where-I-am-in-mommy's-uterus baby?
Well, what I did learn was that I needed to let go of wanting to have my baby show up into the world. She came when she was ready--I just had to let go and let her make the decision.
Being a pilot and a mom can come with many anxieties and worries which we choose to take on and carry on our shoulders. You have probably been told many times to just let it go, you are not helping the situation by worrying. (I have been told this many many many times. If you haven't, I need your advice!!!)
I recently discovered Yin Yoga. And the funny thing is, I've been hired to teach it before I even fully understood what it was! I took the class from the instructor I am soon going to replace. It was absolutely wonderful!
Why do I bring up Yin Yoga? Yin yoga is the other half of Yang yoga (Aka Bikram (hot yoga), Hatha, Vinyasa, etc.). Yin and yang balance each other. (I.e. masculine and feminine, light and dark, etc.) What the class made me realize is that I've been running too hard in yang mode without allowing for yin, or more gentle, feminine, contemplative, slow, and meditative moments. In a yin class, it is not about fast movement or exact posture. It's not about wrapping yourself into an amazing arm balanced pretzel. Rather it is about releasing the burdens we place on our physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual selves. Poses are held for on average 3-5 minutes with full and even breathing. Props are used to help aid in the positions as needed so as to reduce any strain or sharp pain. It's meant to release the deeply embedded tension we hold in our muscles, ligaments, joints, and organs. It's about Letting It Go!
This morning, for my self-study research for my class, I took the following Yin Yoga YouTube class. If you need to undue your stress or even the awkward and unhealthy posture we all assume in a cockpit, check out this video by Yin Yoga for Deep Stretching with Lesley Fightmaster. Find it here: youtu.be/zKuYhZqDmx4
Take Your Mommy Time-Out!
Pilot Qualifications: Commercial AMEL, Private ASEL, Instrument, Tailwheel
Goals: Commercial ASEL add-on, CFI, CFII, A&P