At first, I wasn’t too sure about the idea. My mind began to play out different scenarios that could happen.
But I eventually agreed to my daughter Elsie’s request to join me to my yoga class. It’s very hard to deny those blue-green eyes and ear-to-ear grin.
I began taking yoga classes at a local studio a few weeks ago, and I have been hooked ever since. Instructor Johanna Fassbender introduced me to a variety of exercises that I was completely unaware of, which have really helped me relieve stress and tension.
Ever since I started taking the lessons the lessons, I admit that I have returned home eager to impress my family with different poses. Honestly, my husband Jason and our two sons James and Jase have not shared as much enthusiasm as I have. In fact, James referred to it as “chick stuff.”
But Elsie immediately took interest. She began to copy my poses, and she even asked if she could meditate one night.
Sure thing, I thought. Anything that promoted peace and quiet in this crazy circus of a house is a plus in my opinion.
But I never thought Elsie would want to accompany me to class last Tuesday.
I will admit, I was against the idea at first. Like many mothers, those classes were “Momma time.” It was an hour of peace and tranquility. I was able to forget my worries and focus on a time where I wasn’t being asked for a cup of juice. I wasn’t being summoned to find lost shoes. I wasn’t breaking up a potential World War III battle over what television show to watch.
I began to worry that Elsie would not be quiet during the classes. I thought she wouldn’t take it seriously and would want to play more than participate.
But after a few days of pleading, I gave into her request. And it was the best decision ever.
Elsie accompanied me, and she did every thing during the class perfect. And Johanna was so great with helping her get into the correct poses. I still had “Momma time,” and I got to say that Elsie and I did something together as a mother and daughter.
“How did you like it,” I asked Elsie when we got to the truck after class.
“I didn’t like it,” she said. “I loved it.”
In fact, she is already begging to go with me at least once a week from now on.
That is when it occurred to me that I should embrace moments like these more often. Granted, I have a few hobbies that I wish to do on my own. But there was something special about having some one-on-one time with my little girl.
There were no brothers pulling her hair or trying to talk her into a wrestling match. There was no need to get dirty outside while helping Daddy on the land. It was a simple, one-hour class where my daughter and I could do something that was just for us.
There will come a time when I will beg my daughter to do something with me. In the blink of an eye, she will have her own social life and will probably not want to spend her evening hanging out with Momma. I need to remember that every time she asks to come along with me.
In her eyes, at this moment, I am one of her best friends. She wants to spend time with me. She loves exploring new things with me. She’s curious and eager to learn. And, most importantly, she wants me by her side.
It looks like we have a weekly date together, for now at least. And it’s a date that I look forward to with my little girl.
She won’t be little for long, and I need to embrace those small moments together. I need to appreciate the time we are in at the moment.
It’s just a little girl. It’s just a Momma. It’s just a class. It’s just one night.
But it’s a memory that will last forever.
