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As my babe grew within me, my center became his. The flexible and light body that used to bend over backwards in scorpion pose became heavy and constricted. At eight months pregnant, I had trouble with simple moves like putting-on-shoes-asana. Nevertheless, continuing with a modified yoga practice kept me flexible and strong. By practicing yoga I released shoulder tension and kept my legs strong throughout the pregnancy. After giving birth to my son I bounced back to my familiar shape. My efforts helped me reclaim my center and advanced my understanding of the peace that can be discovered through yoga.

The hormonal changes that took place during and after the pregnancy shook memore like threw me for a few loops. Instead of checking into a loony bin or hitting my husband, I hit the mat with and without my babe and breathe. Interestingly, I experienced profound shifts in peace-of-mind when my practice was neglected and when I re-found it.

Giving birth changes a woman. Were all different to start with and so are our changes. When we become mothers our connection with Spirit becomes stronger. Yoga helps me to embrace this responsibility, and trust that a greater force is taking care of all of us. Ive observed many people be crushed with fear after having a baby. Life is too short to live in a state of fear. Yoga means union and when we practice union, we trust, love and find meaningful balance. Ultimately, practicing yoga opens your heart and makes transformation real for you.

Anne Laderman Swartz is a mom and certified yoga instructor in olympia, washington. She has taught yoga in california, arizona and New Zealand. Anne has studied with many master teachers and is especially grateful for her time with Ana forrest, Saul david Raye and Gurmukh. Her classes are a blend of that experience, combining Vinyasa flow, anusara, and forrest Yoga to create a well balanced, heart opening, ecstatic practice. Annes knowledge of Thai yoga massage therapy is frequently used throughout the class to guide students into complete relaxation. Anne is a teacher committed to yoga as a way of life. She unselfishly gives, sharing her boundless energy with all who meet her. For a schedule of classes or more information, email Anne at yogianne@yahoo.com

posted by 55208  # 2:35 AM