Down-Dog and Corpse Poses

The "downward dog" pose in yoga is often considered a resting pose. I always thought that seemed like a bunch of crap, because keeping yourself suspended from head to toe like that is a lot of work if you are doing it the right way.

Parenthood gives me a whole new perspective on this pose. It makes me think of how the times that I am often working are my new "rest." Anything I do by myself - even if I'm busy being productive while I do it - suddenly counts as a kind of rest. Driving the car is meaningful in that it gets me there, but it is also relaxation (and when I'm alone, the volume can be full blast). Washing the dishes? A break for a moment to think. One-upping the washing of dishes is the washing of clothes, because I can close the door behind me and take even more of a break by leaving the kids inside, albeit momentarily. Going to work? My chance to get a break by feeling productive and cavort with other adults and leave behind the typical "one step forward, two steps back" that happens with the seeming endlessness of house chores and parenthood duties.

Speaking of yoga: I really pay $5 to $10 a class to be able to lay down with my eyes closed at the end for five minutes during Savasana and enjoy the peace. $10 is a small price to pay for guaranteed time to relax without being hounded by one of my children. :)