Motivating Mom

I hear her breathing through the door. I hear each thud as she lands gently on the mat. I hear rubber letting go of sweaty skin with each Sun Salutation. My mom is practicing yoga, all by herself.

My mom knew she needed exercise, but she lacked the motivation. I tried encouragement, reasoning, friendly reminders. I even tried pointing out that she was lazy.

Finally I realized that I was being lazy. I was ordering her around rather than spending quality time with my mom. Hypocrite.

So I left the cozy comforts of my room and told my mom it’s time to do yoga.

“I’m watching TV.”

I turned off the TV.

“I have to pee.”

“I’ll wait.”

“I have to poo!”

“I can wait all night. I just woke up.”

Out of excuses, she stomped onto the mat. I guided her through the Sun Salutations, then had her repeat. After a few minutes, she was on a roll! I adjusted her a few times, but mostly stayed out of the way so she could memorize the sequence and establish a self-practice.

We worked together the next few days: she practiced while I taught.

I cracked open the door and peeked out. She caught me and made a face that said, “I’m awesome.”

I couldn’t agree more.