I’ve always pushed myself. My whole life, first at school, then at work, at home and in motherhood, I’m always striving for more – faster – harder – better.
Workouts are no exception. I can always summon that last little bit of energy to push a little harder for just 10 more seconds. I can always talk myself into a “easy 20-minute jog,” even when the last thing I want to do is move my body in any meaningful way. Somehow the 20-minute easy jog turns into a 40-minute run that ends breathless and dripping sweat.
But what I still struggle with, in fitness and in life, is being intentional. I forget how to slow down, focus on what’s right in front of me, and just be.
Being present is my ultimate parenting goal, too. I know I’m guilty of rushing my kids along a little too often. I overbook our free time, trying to pack as many memories into a moment as I possibly can instead of focusing on one tiny perfect moment. Because those perfect little moments are all around us, on a daily basis, if only we slow down enough to notice them.
This summer, with these goals in mind, I’ve expanded my fitness routines to practice yoga in an effort to also practice mindfulness.
When I first tried yoga, I dismissed it as not enough calorie burn. I spent the whole class striving: to hold a pose just right, or deeper, or longer. I wanted to “win” yoga like it was a PR to beat. I didn’t yet realize that yoga, much like raising children, is about the journey, not the destination.
On July 29, my novice yoga journey is taking me to the Morton Arboretum for the Root to Rise Yoga Festival presented by NEXT Yoga. Root to Rise is an all-day event that starts with an open-air power yoga “sound-off experience” with a live DJ and wireless headphones for all participants. The day continues with a sound healing meditation class, acro yoga class, opportunities to try out aerial yoga and slack lining, health and wellness vendors, activities for kids and families, and more.
I know I won’t learn mindfulness in the course of a 5-hour yoga festival. But each time I consciously practice being intentional puts me that much closer to my goal. Sometimes pushing harder isn’t the challenge. Knowing how to just breathe and be in the moment is.
Want to join me at Root to Rise? All levels of practice are welcome. I’ll be the one wobbling in Warrior 3 and falling instead of flying in Crow pose.
But I’ll also be the one focusing on my breath and soaking in the beauty of the Arboretum, the stillness of my body, and the incredible release of being intentional. Namaste.
Root to Rise starts at 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 29 at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Ticket includes Arboretum admission as well as all classes and activities, plus a swag bag from sponsors and vendors. See more about Root to Rise on Instagram and Facebook.
