Parenthood and spiritual awakening

Shared Left Border

Help Yourself
And Others

Notices

What's New on
AYP Plus?

AYP Retreats
Worldwide Listing

AYP Teacher Training

Local Contacts
Meditation Groups,
Training & Retreats

Key Lessons

Spinal Breathing
Pranayama

Spinal Bastrika
Pranayama

Heart Breathing

Yoga Nidra
Cosmic Samyama

Self-Inquiry
Jnana - Advaita

Modifications to
Baseline System

Teaching

Retreats

Enlightenment
Milestones

More Resources

audioicon1.jpg (812 bytes)
AYP on Radio & TV

International
Translations

Press Releases

Articles & Media

Promotional
Materials

AYP Public Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

AYPsite.org Forum

Yoga and Relationships

Parenthood and spiritual awakening

New Topic

Reply to Topic

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Niels Jacob

France
33 Posts

Posted - Mar 01 2023 : 4:49:34 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm in a very deep questionning right now, on should I have a 2nd child or not. I already have a 7 month old daughter which goes by the name of Sidonie. What great moments I already spent with her, I never laughed smiled and danced so much! The other side of the coin is that my spare time slightly reduced. Reserving 2x20 minutes for the AYP practices on a daily basis has become a challenge.
I'm wondering what's effect (positive or negative) could parenthood have on one's spiritual path. Furthermore, having a 2nd child would reduce my spare time even more, that's why i'm questionning. What's your point of view ?
Bless, Niels

Christi

United Kingdom
4202 Posts

Posted - Mar 01 2023 : 5:43:20 PM

Hi Niels,

I would say go for it. If you and your partner want to have a second child, then it is a great thing to do. It is true that you would have less free time for a while, whilst your wife is pregnant, and when the new baby is still small. But that is only a stage which passes surprisingly fast. Eventually, your children will start playing together, and then you will actually have more free time, than you would if you only have one child. It is also great for children to have brothers and sisters.

So, it is a win-win for everyone.

Christi

Niels Jacob

France
33 Posts

Posted - Mar 01 2023 : 6:20:04 PM

Hi Christi, I love how you put this into such simple words, very pragmatic ;)
Thanks for sharing your experience!

Love, Niels

interpaul

USA
475 Posts

Posted - Mar 02 2023 : 05:47:40 AM

Niels, This is an important question. I am a father of 3. It sounds like you love being a father. As you know parenting is a huge commitment in which you sacrifice your time (and sleep) for years. I started my formal practice of AYP after the kids were older so I may not be in a good position to advise. I do recall trying to meditate when my son was small. He would track me down in the house and plop down on my lap demanding attention. I finally carved out a few minutes by meditating in the car (leaving a few minutes early for work). I personally have found being a father one of the most significant/meaningful parts of my life and would encourage you to go for it. You will find time later to be more consistent. Parenting is a powerful spiritual teacher and there are so many benefits to be gained. It is truly a path of Karma yoga.

SeySorciere

Seychelles
1481 Posts

Posted - Mar 02 2023 : 10:21:41 AM

Dear Niels,

I would also advice you to go for it. You will find is easy to teach children to respect the quietness of your meditation sittings. They may sit in your lap; lie down beside you but they will remain quiet.

Sey