FAQ

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a way of being in the world with greater attention. With mindfulness practice you will cultivate new approaches to your inner and outer experiences to engage fully in the present moment with greater acceptance and curiosity. In addition to yoga, some of the practices we will use are sitting, walking, breathing, and body awareness meditations, inquiry and discussion, and readings.

How are YO:MA:MI classes different from other perinatal classes?

YO:MA:MI is not a traditional childbirth preparation or parenting class. This course will help you to develop some of the most important skills for being a mindful parent – being present, being keenly aware and observant, and being able to make choices about how to respond to each situation rather than being driven by reaction or habit. YO:MA:MI has a strong emphasis on bringing yoga into your daily life. If you are pregnant, this course will also help you to prepare for labor and childbirth while reducing many of the discomforts of pregnancy. If you have a baby or toddler, the course will also give you an opportunity to learn yoga exercises to build your strength and flexibility. The classes also encourage you to mentally prepare for and manage labor, birth, and motherhood with an emphasis on relaxation practices.

What can I expect in YO:MA:MI workshops and classes?

The YO:MA:MI classes include a combination of discussion, reflections, and practices to develop mindfulness. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is that you engage in the practices on your own between sessions. Listening, reading, and reflecting on the ideas will be helpful, and just like learning a new language or building a muscle, cultivating mindfulness requires practice and repetition.