How Full is Your Tank?

Like many teenagers in the US, when I was sixteen I got my driver's license. Understandably, my parents were concerned about my safety (and probably other people's as well). My Dad gave me lots of advice about driving, none of which I remember specifically except for one tip: never let your gas tank be less than half full. Over the years, I've realized how this applies equally to my car and my body. I have almost always followed my Dad's advice when it comes to my car; when it comes to my body, too many times I've let myself run on empty, ignoring the signs warning me of impending danger like that annoying light that appears when your car is about to die until it's too late, and I either get sick or go nuts or both. 

Women, and mothers in particular, are notorious for running on empty. Spend five minutes listening to conversations amongst women and you'll not only get the sense that overwhelm is inevitable, it's also our duty and maybe even a competition. Let's change the conversation. Let's learn how to keep our tanks full. 

We can start refueling by making things a little easier on ourselves. One way that I've been able to do this is by turning lunch into dinner. In other words, I use the same ingredients for lunch (and sometimes breakfast!) and dinner. 

Another simple way to replenish depleted energy levels is to take some time to do something for yourself, even when it seems like you have no time to spare. I've been focusing on one to five minute practices. Here is a fun list of 30 ways to rejuvenate in 5 minutes or less.

As many of you know, I just had my second child, Maverick, in September. The difference between my first postpartum experience, which was a real struggle, and this one, which is not without its challenges but is significantly better, is incredible! I am truly inspired to share the principles and practices that have been so effective for me and my family (and many others as well). Healthy Mama, Happy Mama will teach simple practices for daily life that foster a mother's total well-being through all the stages of her life. The teachings draw from a range of sources--yoga and Ayurveda, meditation and pranayama, basic self-care habits (like 1-5 minutes practices), recipes and simple food practices (like turning lunch into dinner), and practical techniques for creating harmony in the home and amongst the family. It is for women who want to refuel, who want to live in a more easeful relationship with life, who want to shift their own and their family's health and habits, and who want to engage with other women in inspiring, energizing, and meaningful conversations.

In addition to all of the body-mind-heart practices that support me, it's conversations with women friends that have sustained me, given me insight and inspiration, and filled my heart. Last spring, my dear friend and fellow yogini Prue Klausner (Maverick and I are going to her mum and baby yoga class as soon as I send this!) and I initiated a Women's Circle in an effort to cultivate and nurture a supportive community of women. The circle is a space to talk, listen, laugh and yes, even cry . It is an opportunity to nourish your whole self through the simple experience of connecting with others. We will be holding our next circle on Saturday, November 15 at 14.00 at Yoga Amrita. Let me know if you'd like to join us. 


May your tank, and your hearts, be full,