YOGA IN PREGNANCY Yoga with its dictum of moderation and with its vision of a complete integrated human being has plenty to offer to a mother-to-be and a young mother.

Parting Thoughts:

THE MOTHER is bound to the child in numerous ways apart from mere physical binding. The impressions, Samskaras, travel to the child even while the child is in the womb. After delivery too these very fine bonds continue to have effect, sometimes very annoyingly!

For the child may be hungry whenever the mother feels hunger. Similarly, later on, the child can become emotionally disturbed when the mother is in that state.

The mother has to gradually wean the child away from herself, physically, emotionally and mentally. This is a gradual process, there is no scope for annoyance here.

Many mothers, in the midst of their daily chores get very upset when the little one, unmindful of her busy schedule, demands full attention. Becoming emotionally disturbed when the other too is, is not a good strategy.

The mother has to learn to hold in abeyance her feelings, her planning and her work. Only when she herself is at peace and enjoys steadiness can she become effective in changing her own protected offspring and helping him to stand on his own feet

Learning to accept reality, faults and shortcomings is Yoga. In fact it is at such times that the quiet voice of wisdom can be passed on and heard. Negative reactions do not help in solving problems. A positive state is very helpful here.

There is a story: Little Rama was crying for possessing the moon. The understanding mother brought a saucer filled with water. This reflected the moon for the child to touch and play with. Later on, when the child grew up, he understood fully that one cannot pluck the moon from its celestial abode.

The mother has responsibilities all the way. From conception till the child passes through his adolescent stage.

It is through sacrifice, tact and understanding that she can help in his growth. It is then that she consciously evolves into a higher plane of self-knowledge, fulfillment and joy.