Parenting by Yoga

I had no business going to yoga this morning.  I had thrown out my back a few days ago so I was stiff, but thought the warm room and stretching would do me some good.  Joining my wonderful daughter (who currently lives 15 minutes away), I knew would do me some good.  

So, off I go to start my morning.  Indeed it was too much for me.  The instructor called position after position full of energy and encouragement.   I slowly moved, grabbing some deep breaths and long stretches.  Basically, I had to do my own thing while the other 35 people in the room rocked pose after pose.  For one brief moment I held the elbow plank when it was called and I joined the class.  My teacher Meggie cheered “Way to go Bea!”  

Hilarious.  

What?  I do one thing right in the whole hour, I have probably distracted the others, and I get positive encouragement?  It was only 2 minutes of “correct” behavior yet I get no shame or condemnation for the 58 minutes of wandering.

I ask myself:

Do I parent like that?

Do I lead that that?

Do I marriage like that?

I often claim that my favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Nevertheless, as I  ponder the questions above, I realize that I have a great deal to learn from Meggie.   That said, my yoga studio and fellow Convene chairs would invite me not to worry about yesterday’s answers yet to ignite the possibility that today’s and tomorrow’s answers will be “YES!”  Yes I parent by cheering in the positive moments.  Yes, I lead by applauding the good decisions.  Yes, I marriage by hearing and seeing the best in my husband.

Thankful for: Convene (www.convenenow.com) and The Works (www.theworkschs.com)