We recently took a lovely trip to a small island off the coast of Mexico. With warm temperatures, sunny skies and soft sandy beaches, I was in heaven. The only issue?
I couldn’t really relax.
With two little ones it takes a mom about 12 seconds to realize that mom doesn’t get a vacation, and just because the family goes somewhere relaxing doesn’t mean mom gets to relax. Regardless of where we are on the planet, kids still need constant attention and kids still don’t like sitting still in restaurants and kids get stressed when the routine shifts.
Sigh.
I knew if I wanted to return home feeling like I went on vacation I would have to carve out some time just for myself. It took a quick internet search to find a local yoga studio on the island that offered classes every morning. Perfect.
The studio was housed in a large palapa on stilts across the street from the beach. A creaky set of stairs brought me up to a large room with a creaky wood floor. It was rustic and totally adequate. Just like a little slice of heaven.
After a minute or two I easily decompressed. The only sounds I noticed were palm fronds rustling in the wind, chatty birds in the distance and my own deep breaths. The smell of incense and the sight of a thatched roof above gently nudged my other senses. Such peace. And quiet!
I took two yoga classes while we were on Isla Mujeres, and after each one I returned to my precious family in a more present state of mind. The short time away gave me a chance to reflect on just how fortunate and blessed I am to have such sweet little people tugging at my leg every minute of every day. Its the little things – and the little people! – in life that make everything worthwhile.
Should your life’s path ever lead you to Isla Mujeres, be sure to find an hour or two for yourself and visit Jackie and Andy at YogaLife. You deserve it!
http://www.yogalifeislamujeres.com/
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
© Copyright 2024 Homemade Mothering | A Back to Basics Approach to Mothering and Homekeeping
I love the picture…it perfectly illustrates that as a mom you’re never off duty.
your baby is adorable looking down your chest! haha. i wish i could vacation but we have to wait a little while. i work to vacation, does that make sense! haha. not really but memories are to be made!
Maureen-as I was reading your post I thought “I wonder if she was on Isla Mujeres?” and you were! My husband and I got married there 3 years ago. It is such a magical place and I think I’ve done yoga in that very spot. We’ll have to chat more about it next time you are in the store!
Cassie, while we were there we watched a wedding on the beach – it was so pretty! My sister also got engaged during the trip (!!!) and we all not-so-secretly hope she’ll choose a destination wedding back there 🙂
I’ll see you this weekend when I stop in to buy my weekly supply of Castle Rock Farms milk. So delicious!!
Yeah! I just saw this post via my friend and instructor, Jackie! Yoga in that palapa is nothing short of amazing, right?
My husband and I went to FL alone a few months ago, and we just took the family (us and 3 kids) last week to the beach in FL. We said, “Man, this trip to FL sure is different than the last one, huh?!” 🙂 Happy you got away for a bit!
Random question…do you remember where you got the headband you are wearing in your yoga picture?
A girl from my hometown makes them – you can contact her at vnoyes@purdue.edu to order some! They are great!