Recalibrating
We are now seven months into the pandemic and with it, I witness in myself and others a growing acceptance of what is. With the change in season, it is a natural time to look ahead to the rest of the year and prepare to nestle into our homes for the coming winter. Many of us are realizing that the survival mode strategies we used to get through this crisis may not be sustainable as it continues. The glass of wine that came a little earlier in the day, the sleeping in because we can, the Netflix binging… all are understandable in survival mode, but end up depleting us of our natural vibrancy with prolonged reliance.
We have an opportunity to look ahead with brave acknowledgement of what is here. This is hard for all of us. And yet, you are strong. Consider all that you have learned about your Self and humanity in the past two seasons. I have witnessed personal values become clarified, bold action taken, and authentic voices spoken and heard. This has been a time of tremendous pain AND growth.
I invite you to pause and reflect on what you have learned. Consider what has nourished you since the pandemic shifted your internal and external landscape and what may have begun to deplete your vibrancy. Perhaps you notice a particular TV show lights something up inside you (in a good way) and so you are more willing to let go of other shows that may be ultimately unhelpful. Perhaps truly savoring just one glass of wine with dinner or a good beer with a friend, or putting your Self to bed can be acts of self-love.
You may also consider what practices you want to infuse into your daily rhythm in order to cultivate energy and stay connected to your Self. Here are some of my favorites from the virtual world:
Yoga International - Website and app with hundreds of high quality live and pre-recorded yoga videos (as well as articles and courses) from some of the world's most renown teachers in yoga and Ayurveda. A reasonable monthly fee after a 14-day trial.
Corina Benner offers beautiful Yin Yoga practices in as little as 20-minute increments to wake up or into your day or wind down from it. Suitable for all levels and infused with loving reminders of your brilliance.
Insight Timer- Free app with option for upgrade to access more options. Last check there were 55,000 free meditation audio recordings, with dozens happening live each day.
Sarah Blondin's poetic meditations are beautifully produced and an inspiration for me to return to my heart.
Tara Brach is a long-time favorite teacher and author of mine. She draws from her deep expertise as a psychologist and Buddhist scholar to provide a range of accessible and timely meditations. Find her writings, audio, and more on her website.
Cup of Life Healing - Tricia “Satya” Hurley is my personal reiki practitioner that I have been working with closely over the past three years. Distance reiki has always been an option for energetic healing and become a necessary healing modality since the pandemic began. Satya has been a gift to me and I am honored to recommend her services to you.
Cosmic Kids App - Wonderfully produced (albeit a bit stimulating) app that teaches kids basic yoga poses and mindfulness concepts. My four-year old daughter takes ample instruction from her "Teacher Jamie" on how to use mindfulness to help her calm herself and settle into a good night sleep. A go-to for us when someone in our family needs alone space.
You might also consider your "commute." A walk, a bike or car ride, used to provide a natural buffer between work/home life and space to connect to your Self. This concept of intentionally creating space to settle in, even just five minutes, in order to connect more deeply, is something that arises often in my teletherapy work with clients who don't have the traditional waiting room. Consider taking a bike ride or even a few breaths on your way to your Yin Yoga practice in your living room and notice the impact.
May blessings be for your continued journey toward authenticity and ease. Affirming that the path to the summit may require you to travel downward at times, and yet you are still heading in the right direction.
