NEW BEGINNINGS YOGA
  • Meet Angelyn
  • Infertility
  • Yoga
  • Musings
  • Media
  • Contact

Tools for Transformation Tuesday: Forced Rest

9/8/2015

 
Picture
For better or worse, throughout my life I have been able to recover quickly from every injury, illness, or other physical challenge life has thrown my way. From marathons to multi-day yoga summits to childbirth and everything in between, I have been blessed to bounce back with minimal disruption to my routine. And I assumed the recent removal of my wisdom teeth would be no different.

In a way it was: the day after the procedure I stopped taking medication and transitioned from liquids to soft foods with no adverse effect. By the end of the week, I was feeling 100 percent, and began mapping out a few runs and yoga classes for the weekend and week ahead. The morning after receiving the "all clear" from my doctor, I hit the road. I hadn't even found my stride when my jaw started throbbing. I stopped immediately, and after walking a few blocks, the pain subsided. When I tried again to pick up the pace, I made it less than one block before the pain stopped me. Resigned to the reality that there would be no running that morning, I took a long, slow walk and returned home disappointed.

The same pattern repeated itself when I tried a few down dogs the following day. Immediately my mind began racing: No running? No yoga? What on earth am I going to do? The answer was clear: rest. So I did.

For two entire weeks, I gave myself permission to sit still - to go about my days and repurpose the time I would have spent on the road or in the studio reading, writing, and resting. I didn't explode, and the earth didn't stop turning on its axis. When I was finally able to resume regular activity, there was no loss of endurance or speed or strength. If anything, I found a renewed enthusiasm for and enjoyment of movements I so often take for granted.

Next time your body (or mind) asks you to take a break, honor the request. Give yourself the opportunity to discover a fresh appreciation for the rhythms of your life.  
Picture

    Angelyn

    Teacher, aspiring writer, and inspired soul navigating the journey of life. 

    Sign up for My 
    email newsletter

    Categories

    All
    Infertility
    Musings
    The Year Of Anticipation
    The Year Of Exploration
    The Year Of Facing Fear
    The Year To Embrace
    The Year To Just Be...
    Thursdays Thought
    Tools For Transformation
    Trailblazers
    Year Of Imperfection
    Yoga

    Archives

    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013



    RSS Feed

Photo Credits: Drew Xeron
  • Meet Angelyn
  • Infertility
  • Yoga
  • Musings
  • Media
  • Contact