Author Archives: karrijinkins

Yogamama: Finding my Self

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Yogamama: Finding my Self

Sometimes physical clutter can impede our journey within.

It has been 13 years since I visited Swamiji, in India, for advice on how to find my true self and to give it a louder voice in my daily life. He recommended that I “practice dying every day” as a tool for getting to know my self better — mainly through spiritual endeavors such as meditation and daily yoga practice (both of which I have done regularly since then). Occasionally I also experience this “daily dying” by drinking too much or through sleep deprivation. Most recently it was by moving apartments.

This wasn’t just moving. It was downsizing from 2,000 square feet to less than 1,200. I was forced to give up a lot of my stuff: clothing, electronics, bath products, handbags, furniture, artwork, books. I had collected so much over the four years in the apartment that it was no wonder I have had so much difficultly finding my self lately.

It was difficult to let go in some cases. Some things had sentimental value, some things were quite valuable, and some had been given to us, such as a beautiful handcrafted 12-person dining table. Having this table meant that I could invite 10 people for a dinner party and we could all laugh and eat and drink together. But in giving it up I have realized that in all the time spent living in the apartment, we had never had five people over for dinner, let alone 10. And I actually don’t even like entertaining (or cooking), for that matter.

My new motto is: less stuff, more self. In fact, I’m still trying to talk my husband into putting everything we have in storage except our beds, so I won’t have any daily distractions.

Yeah, right.

Yogamama: On pregnancy and yoga

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Often pregnant women encounter more “don’ts” than “do’s” — with respect to exercise as well as diet. Our columnist (and yoga instructor) reminds us that when it comes to yoga practice, we should simply do what feels right.

Photo: Corbis

Yogamama: On Pregnancy and Yoga

Practice the Do’s and Push the Dont’s Aside

I’m a yoga teacher, and I come across many concerned newly pregnant women who are unsure of what they can safely do in their practice. It seems there are so many “don’ts” in pregnancy these days — from soft cheese to caffeine to headstands — it’s difficult to know what is a “do.”

I think the “do” depends on you. Just as a runner who becomes pregnant may be thinking about tossing her Nikes for colored Birkenstock sandals, or women with a vigorous yoga practice may opt for something more gentle, like prenatal yoga. While some women may find comfort and relaxation in a soft and slow prenatal yoga class, I got anxious and fidgety at the thought of it.

I’ve always found respite from the stresses of life through daily movement. This is one thing that led me to Ashtanga yoga almost 15 years ago. So when I became pregnant at close to 40, I worried I’d have to give it up for the health of the baby. Luckily, after consulting my doctor, I realized I didn’t have to. I did have to make some adjustments to the practice and let go of some of the poses as I grew bigger and bigger, but thankfully my baby and I happily continued chuturunging, back-bending, and standing on our heads for almost 10 months.

I certainly don’t recommend these poses for every pregnant woman. But if you have a regular yoga practice and have a normal pregnancy, you should feel free to practice, breathe, and sweat. (But don’t take my word for it — do what feels right to you! And if you do practice, drink water often.)

Here are some of the poses I found very helpful throughout my pregnancy.

SURYA NAMASKAR A sun salutation that stretched me out, got me breathing, and worked out the kinks.

UTTHITA PARSVAKONASANA An extended side angle that stretched my sweet spots: shoulders, chest, spine, waist, and groin.

PASHIMOTTANSANA A seated forward bend that stretched my entire spine. It also relieved constipation and indigestion, two problems many pregnant women have.

BADDHA KONASANA This butterfly pose was a joy for hips and lower back. It also helps with digestion.