Hello all,
“Ease into the habitually restricted places” is a prompt I heard from a yoga instructor. She was speaking about listening to your body in a deeper, more mindful way. The prompt is a good reflection for letting go, for moving into the tight places of your body and allow them to ease. These tight places are often emotionally painful places as well. Grief, pain, sadness, vulnerability are things that we tend to habitually restrict in order to deal with the world in which we live in.
Developing habits is very useful. But so is slowing down and really taking time to feel and reflect. It is a restorative process, giving you a chance to release the pressure of life. The demands on yourself, your families, your jobs, careers, aspirations, goals, and managers. Those restricted places can mask pain and stress which needs to be released regularly and peacefully. When you let go of who you think you should be and what you should do, there can be peace in these place. Softness, stillness, and acceptance can be there as well.
Regular reflection can help you identify if you are holding tight to restricted places. Try a quick reflection. Close your eyes and turn internally. Scan your body and notice tightness. If you find some, turn towards it. Notice it and if you find any pain here–try to ease it. Slow down and be with this tightness. What does it need? Practicing this regularly can inform you that you need rest, restoration.
Sometimes you will need help with these places and feelings. Therapies like counseling, yoga, massage, tai chi, Chi Kung, can help you find rest, restoration and inner peace.
I found much grief and tightness this week. I released it and I found stillness and peace. It was a good reminder to slow down and listen to my body and spirit.
As I walked out, I heard a man say, “Smooth seas don’t make good sailors.” Make time to rest and reflect, it can help during the stormy seas.
Peace,
Craig