We present a heartfelt special feature with Shani Dayal, a Yoga & Wellness Coach. As a pre- and post-natal yoga teacher, Shani brings a deeply intuitive and nurturing perspective to motherhood, blending ancient wisdom with lived experience.
In this candid conversation with Women Fitness for Mother’s Day, she opens up about the emotional depth, challenges, and quiet transformations that define her journey as a mother.
On Redefining Motherhood
Motherhood, for Shani, is the most heart-opening experience—one that transcends logic and connects her to a deeper, intuitive wisdom beyond the physical world. She reflects on how this phase dissolves ego, reshapes conditioned patterns, and invites her to rediscover life from a completely new lens. While it can feel overwhelming to rebuild routines and understanding from scratch, she describes it as both humbling and empowering—especially in the process of nurturing and shaping a conscious, compassionate human being.
Finding Balance in the Everyday
Balancing her roles has been an evolving journey rooted in flexibility and conscious choices. During the first year of her daughter’s life, she and her husband prioritised being fully present, adapting their professional commitments accordingly. As a breastfeeding mother, Shani remained closely attuned to her child’s ever-changing needs, while the support of her family created a strong foundation. Establishing a consistent night routine has been one of the few anchors in an otherwise fluid daily rhythm.
What is one unexpected lesson your child has taught you?
Her daughter, she shares, has become her greatest teacher—guiding her back to the present moment. Through her child’s natural curiosity, resilience, and unconditional love, Shani has learned to let go of fear, embrace growth, and rediscover a sense of wonder. She believes children have an innate ability to remind us of our truest selves, often teaching lessons that words cannot capture.
Mothers often struggle to find time for themselves. How do you nurture your own identity and well-being?
Amid the demands of motherhood, Shani nurtures her own identity through her yoga practice and teaching. Even brief moments of solitude help her reconnect and show up more fully for her child. Holding space for other women, particularly those navigating prenatal and postnatal journeys, has also become a deeply healing and fulfilling part of her life.
The most challenging phases of motherhood
She candidly describes breastfeeding as both the most beautiful and the most challenging aspect of her journey. While it has created an unparalleled emotional bond and sense of connection, it also demands unwavering presence and commitment. Despite moments of exhaustion and solitude, she embraces it wholeheartedly, aligning with recommendations by the, and cherishes the profound sense of nurturing it brings.
Celebrating Mother’s Day
Her ideal way to celebrate Mother’s Day is simple yet meaningful—a quiet getaway with her husband and daughter, paired with the intention of writing a heartfelt letter to her child’s future self.
Inspired by Generations of Strength
When it comes to inspiration, Shani looks to her own mother and the many women around her who gracefully balance motherhood with their passions. Their resilience and ability to nurture while evolving continue to motivate her every day.
Asanas every mom should practice to relax and rejuvenate.
In her approach to health and fitness, Shani keeps things intuitive and adaptable. Sharing her fitness routine, Shani adds, “Feeding has taken a toll on my posture, so I try to work on upper-body mobility and strengthening. I focus on pranayam to relax my nervous system, and it also really helps with my digestion. I eat home-cooked food, fruits, and warm herbal teas all to support my digestion.”
Moms can practice energising Surya Namaskar, strengthening asanas like Virabhadradana, Navasana, Deviasana, and plank. Asanas for spinal health, like Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, and Dhanurasana. Relaxing asanas like Balasana, Viprit Karni, Savasana, etc. And also practice Diaphragmatic breathing.
Learning to Trust Intuition
Reflecting on her journey, she admits she hadn’t fully anticipated the emotional and physical intensity of motherhood. “There were days when my body was so tired and my mind so hazy that I was not able to think straight! But those tough days are behind us! The first few days after delivery, I was not confident enough to listen to my intuition. But now I know deep within what it is that my baby wants and needs.”
Yet, through it all, she has learned to trust her intuition—a quiet inner voice that now guides her with clarity and confidence.
Grateful for Love in Its Purest Form
Above all, she expresses deep gratitude for the unconditional love that motherhood has brought into her life. “Every time I enter the room, and Aanya opens her arms to come to me, I melt. No matter what’s going on in my mind, or if I’m having a bad day, one look at her makes everything beautiful. When I see her, I see what’s truly important in life, and all my worries disappear,” says Shani.