Guest Blog: The Yoga of Motherhood: A Path of Presence, Surrender, and Love
I'm thrilled to introduce Sacha Jane, a fellow mama and maternal well-being facilitator. Sacha blends yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to support mothers on our transformative journeys. You might find her leading online yoga sessions or hosting retreats on the beautiful island of Corfu. Let’s dive into her insights on embracing the yoga of motherhood.
Motherhood is one of the most profound journeys of transformation it is possible to traverse. It is a path that demands more than just physical endurance (although this is very present at times too!)—it calls for deep inner work, presence, and surrender. While we often think of yoga as something practised on the mat, motherhood is, in itself, a living, breathing yoga. It stretches not just our bodies but our hearts, minds, and spirits.
After having two children in two years, I experienced the depth of this yoga in ways I never expected. The inner journey that unfolded shocked me—not just in its intensity, but in how unprepared I felt despite a lifelong practice of yoga and meditation. Even more surprising was the scarcity of literature, teachings, and support that truly spoke to the unique spiritual path of motherhood within the yogic and Buddhist traditions I hold dear. I say this with deep respect for all I have received from my teachers while also recognising that the inner life of mothers is often overlooked. In this post, I share the foundational philosophy I have cultivated over these past years—both as a mother and a yogini—embracing motherhood as a profound vehicle for spiritual growth.
Yoga is not simply about postures or breath control; it is a way of being, a practice of returning to the present moment, of moving with grace through discomfort, and of holding space for both joy and struggle. In this way, motherhood can be a highly advanced practice—one that offers countless opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and deep connection.
The Sadhana of Motherhood
In traditional yoga, sadhana refers to daily spiritual practice. For mothers, every day is sadhana. The early wake-ups, the sleepless nights, the constant tending to the needs of another—all of it becomes a form of devotion. Unlike a structured practice on the mat, where we choose when to begin and end (oh, the luxury!), motherhood is a continuous flow, an unbroken sequence of giving, receiving, and constant growth.
This path teaches us patience as we rock a crying baby in the stillness of the night. It teaches us to surrender as we let go of who we were before and embrace the unknown of who we are becoming. It teaches us presence as we sit with our children, witnessing the world through their eyes, knowing that each moment is fleeting and impermanent.
Breath, Surrender, and Flow
In yoga, we turn to the breath to anchor us through challenges. The same is true in motherhood. Whether facing the overwhelm of toddler tantrums or the weight of responsibility, a deep inhale reminds us to pause, to soften. A slow exhale reminds us to release control and trust the process. Just as we surrender into a deep yoga pose, allowing our bodies to open over time, we must also surrender to the rhythms of motherhood, trusting that we are growing into this role with every challenge we face.
Motherhood is also a flow practice. Plans shift, needs evolve, and we must continuously adapt. There is no perfection here—only learning to be with whatever is arising and cultivating compassion for oneself, one's children, one's partner, and friends and all the situations that come to be. Some days, we move with ease; other days, we stumble. But just like on the yoga mat, every time we fall, we learn to keep returning to ourselves with compassion, ready to begin again.
Union: The Heart of Yoga and Motherhood
At its core, yoga means “union.” In motherhood, this union is profound—the merging of self with another in ways that dissolve ego and expand us into the limitless potential of the heart. It is the deep bond we share with our children, the letting go of old identities, and the deepening into presence and love amidst the challenges and beauty of our everyday lives as mamas.
To mother is to be in yoga every day. It is to cultivate patience, resilience, and grace. It is to surrender, to soften, and to open our hearts beyond what we thought was possible. It is, ultimately, a sacred practice—one that transforms us from the inside out.
I offer you so much respect for all that you are becoming on your yoga of motherhood, and I wish you good fortune and grace as you walk your unique path.
Namaste,
Sacha Jane
A heartfelt thank you to Sacha Jane for sharing her wisdom. If you’re inspired to explore this journey further, you can find more of Sacha's amazing free resources here.
