Mama Renewed: Lynette Stockner
This month’s Mama Renewed is Lynette Stockner, mother of Felix (3 1/2), and owner of Sage Yoga. We supported her through birth with our sister practice, Dancing Star Birth, new motherhood in Mothers Unfolding, and now Mama Renew as the mother of a growing boy. Today we have the joy of seeing her support other new mothers in our community.
About Lynette
When I gave birth to Felix I found the transformation to motherhood to be one of the most important stages of self-reckoning of my life. I began offering prenatal yoga out of my desire to share in the journey and transformation of pregnancy and birth while helping women care for their bodies and growing babies.
Why Mama Renew?
After loving Birthing from Within and Mother’s Unfolding, I knew that Mama Renew would once again be in sync with my needs.
If Mama Renew is a house, it opens up all the doors and windows to let the fresh air revive you – even in your attic and basement! As a parent I can sweep myself into a neglected corner with all the distractions of daily life. But not at Mama Renew!
New Insights
As a very independent woman I have really felt the changes of motherhood – embraced many and struggled with others. Sharing with the amazing women in Mama Renew was empowering and gave relevant perspective to my life. I learned that compassion, patience and humour are my best allies (especially as I apply them to myself!).
There have been many changes as I learned to not judge myself (as much!) and to prioritize self-care: time in nature, gardening, reading. acupunture, yoga, and time quietly enjoyed over a decaf in a café . . . by myself. I make sure I leave the housework behind if the day has something more interesting to offer, and hire a babysitter once a month whether I need it or not for a full day.
I started knitting and then started a monthly series of craft nights with friends. I created a cookbook (that I keep lovingly refining), hired a financial advisor and have a weekly “date” with my husband where he cooks dinner for me after Felix goes to bed. I really, really, REALLY notice the benefits!
While my interests are still deliciously diverse, the edge I now play is truer to my energy, core passions and commitments.
Challenges
I still have a hard time asking friends and family for childcare. I am so CAPABLE! (read: scared to put someone out!) I routinely ask for help for practical reasons but I still need to ask . . . just because! Recently however, I have hooked up with the most terrific mother’s helper in the world – my nine-year-old neighbor Sarah, who comes over to be with Felix while I take a few hours to work at home.
Moving Forward
Digging deep in Mama Renew has helped me to more fully take on life as a mother. I am conscious on a daily basis of the gifts that unfold in my life: to witness and enjoy, to question and create, to practice patience, and the art of responding instead of reacting. As a yogi these daily practices constantly resonate with my values.
So when my son asks me, “Are you still growing mama?”
I say, “Yes. Deeper and wiser every day.”
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