Be Your Own Loving Parent

Parents and caregivers spend an extraordinary amount of time taking care of both the physical and emotional needs of others, especially children. The whole concept of loving ourselves is often ignored and our own personal needs and feelings are put on hold. It’s not typically a conscious act, but this type of self-neglect can have a negative effect on our health. Imagine how much better we would feel if we turned some of that same love and attention to ourselves, becoming our own loving parent. It’s the ultimate in self-care!

The first step in becoming a loving a parent is awareness and one of the best ways to achieve awareness is through yoga. While yoga is commonly thought to involve a series of poses on a mat, the benefits of achieving focus and a calm state can also be attained by simply lying down. No movement, no headstands or pretzel twists required.

The practice of YogaFun™ Nidra (also referred to as Sleep Yoga) takes this a bit further and is designed as a guided relaxation. It is usually done in a reclined position with an instructor that gradually guides you into a deeper state of muscle relaxation, awareness, observation and finally, the experience of silence. The practice works to release feelings and emotions and provides a deeper state of rest. 20 minutes of YogaFun™ Nidra is said to equal 3 hours of sleep. Even doing this on our own for 10 minutes can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Take a few moments to be a good parent to yourself. Practice self-love, maybe do a little yoga, and most importantly, remind yourself how amazing you truly are!

—

Toledo native, DeVilbiss High School Graduate, and now Florida resident, Dr. Kathy Shafer, is a psychotherapist, certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and EMDR practitioner. She focuses a great deal of her practice on encouraging self-care in her clients. As a trauma survivor, she has experienced the struggle of finding a sense of confidence and balance in life. The practice of YogaFun™ Nidra plays a huge role in her journey.