I was so lucky. My first yoga teacher was my MOM, Laurie Clarke in Charleston, SC! I remember her coming to my preschool to do animal yoga poses with my classmates, and I remember her being in Shoulderstand in the living room quite often. But, I didn’t embrace yoga fully until my senior year in high school. I started attending her classes, and it was a welcome relief from the pressure of applying to colleges and making big decisions. At times I have felt regret that I only discovered the amazing yoga knowledge of my Mom during the last year that I lived at home. I could have had a daily, free private lesson!!! But in writing this list, I realize that while we may not have been doing asana together for all 18 years I was at home, she was teaching me “yoga” my whole childhood by teaching me to love and respect all living beings and to find joy in life. And by example she taught me to respect my body and to live in the moment.
Things I learned from my mother (and first yoga teacher):
Do Lion pose to get kids interested in yoga
Eat a salad with dinner, always
Soothe the body and soul with progressive muscle relaxation
Sing while you are doing the chores
Exercise every day
Drink lots of water with lemon
Take your vitamins
Spend as much time outside as possible
Sing when you are in the shower
Dance while you cook
Listen to your body- don’t be afraid to use a strap, pillow, or bolster
Give generously and receive enthusiastically
Sing while you garden
Hold a pose - it is practice for staying very still if you are lucky enough to see a hummingbird
Visit the beach as often as you can and breathe in the ocean air
Practice yogaevery day (even just a few minutes) instead of a long session once a week
Meditate- it is where the magic happens
Be good to your body and it will be good to you
Have and do a little of everything in moderation
Invert to see the world in a different way or find something you’ve lost
Elongate and breathe, always
Om and chant often
Take a leap and start your own yoga business, cherish your students, and expect it to grow
Sing!
I love you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!
Love and Namaste,
Carolyn
Carolyn Clarke