The importance of recovery…
Being resilient doesn't mean life's challenges don't affect you, It can simply mean you're better equipped and able to respond to unexpected issues and problems that may arise - without immediately falling apart or becoming overwhelmed!
I've been through my fair share of difficult experiences and as a result I've become really good at pushing through the tough times and holding on - but eventually you do have to let go...
While I've always come through stronger, I've never emerged completely unscathed and as I get older, it feels like I need more time to bounce back to a new 'normal'.
In fact, I find the affects don't often show up until some time afterwards - usually when everything appears to be done and dusted….
And so, I think it's only now that we have been given some space and freedom in our lives again that I can finally take a step back to reflect and process everything that's happened this year.
In Iyengar yoga, getting in and out of a pose is just as important as doing or being in the pose itself. The preparation and set up help us to perform and remain in the pose to the best of our ability, while the rest and recovery period at the end of each pose and class, allows us to properly digest and understand everything that's happened.
Without going through all three stages, we're moving somewhat unconsciously and without purpose - keeping busy, avoiding the pain or truth, ticking boxes, existing but not really living!
It’s important to go through the beginning, middle and end of things… whether it’s the washing up, a yoga pose, a relationship or a pandemic lockdown. Giving time and respect to everything we do, and everything that happens to us, really allows us to live more fully and mindfully.
So this month, I invite you to join me on the mat and pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally right now, to contemplate where you are and how you got here, and make room for more softness, space and clarity in your life.
Let's stay in the recovery phase a little longer and give ourselves time to heal.
To a mind that is still the whole universe surrenders.
- Lao Tzu
