Pregnancy Yoga Workshop 2009

A report by Hayley Alexander

Pregnancy Yoga

Connecting with ‘The Divine Within’ certainly takes on a new meaning when it comes to pregnancy yoga, where on Saturday the 9th of May a special yoga workshop was held for pregnant moms-to-be at the ISHTA yoga centre in Atholl, Johannesburg.

Demonstrated by renowned doula and trainer Saraj Kuar (Theoni Papoutsis), the participants were guided through a series of asanas that are most beneficial for practicing during pregnancy to facilitate natural labour and birthing.

In preparation, all sat and tried the ‘refreshing breath’, which is used in Kundalini yoga to train a mother to be to work with her surges (contractions). The refreshing breath is practiced immediately before and after each posture. During birthing, this breath delivers extra oxygen to the child before and after each surge (contraction).

Participants at the Preggie Yoga workshop

Theoni explained the importance of tuning in to centre oneself through mantra to quieten the mind: “Ong Namo, Guru Dev Namo” – I call upon the Infinite Creator who created me. I call upon the Divine Giver of Wisdom.”

The warm-up series included practicing hip-circles, spinal flexes, neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, gentle spinal twists and forward open leg stretches to both sides. Other postures that followed were the butterfly, cat/cow, balancing on hands and knees, supported squat, standing in tree pose while linking arms and lastly the modified child pose for relaxation.

In conclusion all participants engaged in a meditation practice, sitting with their arms out to the side for 11 minutes and challenging themselves not to give up. The keys to utilising this experience for birthing are to concentrate on your breath, focus on your Third Eye, relax and focus your mind on the mantra – ‘Sa, Ta, Na, Ma’ while progressively touching each finger tip with your thumb in the sequence.

Ending off after the lying-down relaxation, everyone sat up bringing their hands into prayer position, to sing: “May the long time sun,” chanting Sat Nam three times. Finally, there was time for asking questions and the participants were very grateful for the empowering tools and

information they had been given. A lovely tea was served and overall the workshop was a great success and enjoyed by all those who attended.

Read the original article at: Ishta Yoga Blog