Rest Easy


This time of year it is easy to find yourself caught up in the busy-ness of the season. There is always something to buy, something to do, somewhere to go, someone to visit. We try not to get sick, so we over-dose on Emergen-C and vitamins. We wash our hands obsessively. The problem is that we don't stop. We forge on in the name of "holiday spirit" and the biggest thing that protects us from getting ill is the one thing we leave out of our day: rest.

Becoming sick is our body's subtle way of whispering, "SLOW DOWN!!!" Sure she's given us plenty of warnings before we got sick, but we were too busy to notice. Like that time last week that when your body was exhausted after work, but you went out for drinks with friends instead of resting at home. Or that Saturday where you had nothing planned, so instead of taking an afternoon nap you scrubbed all the floors in your house.

Sure things need to get done, but our priority should be the health and wellness of our mind and body. The only person looking out for that aspect of our lives is ourselves. We need to be ruthless advocates for our own health. Is our boss going to advocate for our rest and well-being? Hell no. And neither will anyone else.

The next time you have a break in your day, or an option to stay in or go out- choose a nap. Or choose to meditate or read, or write a letter. Drink some tea, and be nice to yourself. Being restful and low-stressed is the best way to ward off illness. But don't take my word for it- the benefits of rest are best experienced.


Popular posts from this blog

Gratitude

Image
Recently, I talked with a new student in my class.  He showed up for the first time last week.  Although he is not new to yoga, he is new to me.  The week before, he was skeptical.  Didn't know if a gym yoga class would help him in his recovery from an almost fatal accident he was in, which left him without a bicept in is left arm. But today, he came in glowing.  He was late, so he spread out his mat, and joined in the beginning meditation, the asana session, and the savasana.  I could tell something was up.  He was particularly smiley, and moved through the postures in an almost blissful way. After our final "namaste," he approached me with a grin on his face. "I think your class has helped me already."  He went on to tell me that after last week's class, he was more easily able to zip up his sweater, without having to bend forward too much.  He felt more ease in his arm, albeit a miniscule amount.  The week had been full of ti...
Read more

Relaxing Piano Music

Image
I love piano. The velvety sound of this instrument takes me to another place- one that is full of emotional expression and power.  It truly uplifts me. Why is the instrument so relaxing? It has such a pure, calming sound. Piano has the ability to soothe, to inspire, or to coax out emotions that have been dormant. For these reasons, I love to play piano music in my yoga classes. It just feels like the right venue. These are two of the artists I use in some of my yoga classes. I have also peppered in a song or two from Liz Story. Check them out, preview them on itunes, buy their cd's. Enjoy!
Read more

Ultimate Purpose

Image
This morning, the leaves were dancing Trees were hysterical waving their branches about The leaves were oblivious Free at long last Their best day On their worst behavior They swarmed together in spinning hoards They scattered across city streets No regard for traffic They lifted and landed, tossed and twisted swooped and swung raced and rested, as the wind dictated. Mother trees gasped in horror too afraid to look but unable to stop themselves. They hemmed and hawed sighed and sobbed waved and wailed reached and retracted as their children scattered freely about. The tree's choice is a familiar one: She can grasp tightly with sore branches denying the inevitable take it personal then  mourn her loss. Or she can let go let nature's plan unfold Giving up the months she spent Nurturing and caring for her precious leaves. For they have their own destination Their own divine path Either way, an inevitable windstorm will sweep through a...
Read more