Yoga from a Daughter’s Perspective

 by Lily Gretz

Growing up with a yoga teacher as a mom, there were certain words and phrases that I heard often in my day-to-day life. When I was stressed about an upcoming test or performance, my mom urged me to “find your breath”; when I was on the verge of getting sick and needed rest, she encouraged me to “listen to your body”; and all of this advice was given with the goal of “strengthening your container”--becoming more resilient as a result of mindfulness. 

At my angstiest, I would meet these reminders with an eye roll, sure that my mom couldn’t possibly understand what I was feeling. While I always enjoyed yoga, there was something about getting advice from my mom that prevented me from letting these mantras sink in. 

Now that I’ve grown into adulthood, however, I’ve realized how right my mom was in these moments (and how patient)! When tax season is stressing me out, or I’m struggling with a difficult personality at work, finding my breath helps me settle. When I’m stiff from a day of travel or run down from a day of activity, listening to what my body needs helps me avoid injury or exhaustion. With my mom as my yoga teacher for over 20 years, these practices have become instinct–I know how to keep my container strong. 

When I moved to New York City about two years ago, I found myself especially grateful for the strong container my mom helped me build. Having spent most of my childhood and early adulthood living in suburban Maryland, New York City felt like a major change. Where I used to take quiet walks around my peaceful neighborhood, my walks have now become an overstimulation of loud sounds, pungent smells, and jarring sights. During my first year in the city, there were many days when I felt anxious and ungrounded, overwhelmed by how different my life was. 

In these harder moments, I heard my mom’s voice in my head once again–reminding me to breathe and to listen to what my body needed. With the help of these mindfulness techniques, every month got a little easier. I felt more present in my body and less overwhelmed by the noise (literally) around me. 

I still get overwhelmed by New York and by life, but I am lucky to have a set of tools that help me stay grounded. And of course, my mom is still always a phone call away, reminding me that I do have a strong container, even when life feels out of control.