I’ve heard many times over the past few years that balance isn’t real or attainable in motherhood, that it is one of those words we throw around and say that we either have or don’t have. Well that may be true during some moments, motherhood throws things off for sure, and brings about immense changes. But I think that if there is imbalance (changes that throw us “off”) then we must also be able to find balance too. I don’t think that I’ve found it yet and I also don’t think that when I do it will hold any sense of permanence (life is fluid and always changing) but I do think that there are seasons of balance in our lives and times when we feel out of balance. My hope is that I can find my own sense of balance (whatever that might look like) within the current season or stage of my life.

Motherhood has been one of the most life altering stages of my own life, and while I can’t speak for anyone here, this completely makes sense to me from a logical point of view. You go from living your own life completely independent to caring for someone who is completely dependant on you; things obviously change a lot. As a result of this some of the things that were a regular part of my life and that I loved like practicing or teaching yoga, got a little lost along the way.

There was a time when yoga was a huge part of my life, I taught classes, took classes, researched and wrote papers on the history of yoga in the Western world, it was just a part of who I was and this never felt like it would change. When I was pregnant with our first I tried to maintain this as much as I could, not skipping a beat except for swapping out a hot class for a regular temperature class. I was so happy to hear that maintaining my fitness routines during pregnancy would (and did) help with labour and this was motivation for me to keep it up.

Over the past year or so (following the birth of our second); however, I have found it more and more difficult to get back on to my mat. I go in spurts, trying new classes and even though I always end up feeling great after going, for some reason getting out the door after a long day of work and evening of “mommying” proved to be a challenge.

It’s so hard sometimes to balance work, home life, motherhood and find time for fitness and I keep trying to make it work, but it just wasn’t working out. I tried working out at home as well and I do really enjoy this, but there have been times when finding the motivation to do this instead of relaxing on the couch or sleeping in a bit longer in the morning just hasn’t been there.

So I am starting a challenge, a way of ending my Four Weeks of Wellness Series. I am challenging myself to get back on my mat at least once a week! I am also inviting all of you to take part in this challenge as well! I am kicking off this challenge by rolling out a new mat from Scoria World and giving one away to one of you as well.

Scoria World is a blooming new business founded by Yara Kamal and based around the concept of creativity and what happens to that creativity when we grow up. Scoria is a company that designs and creates 100% natural cork yoga mats (that help stop the slipping when you sweat). The mats use zero chemicals and every order made donates six meals to a child.

When I met Yara, heard the Scoria story idea and found out that the images on the mats were inspired by children and that the proceeds from sales went to such a great cause I was hooked.   I was so excited to purchase my own mat and share this story with all of you.

Taking inspiration from Scoria, and those sparks of creativity that come from the child with, let’s get creative with how we balance our lives and take on the challenge of doing the things we love, the things that bring us joy alongside our children.

GIVEAWAY!

Head on over to my Instagram Page this evening for complete entry details.

For 3 bonus entries comment below sharing why you love yoga