"You Rest Now"

As we continue to explore balance in our lives- on and off the mat- I'd like to share something I learned a few weeks ago at a workshop that helped me look at balance in my own life. Here's a brief summary of the day..

First we were asked to take an inventory of what was really important in our lives, in a big picture kind of way. Those things that at the end of a life you would really like to stand out. As you can imagine,  having a new car, or a nicer house didn't really make the top ten. :)

Then we reflected on how much time, energy and effort we actually put into those “important things”. That proved to be a little humbling as the action didn't always line up with the priority. It's interesting to notice where our time really goes in the course of a day- a week- a year..

Next, we considered what might be getting in the way of keeping those important things from being front and centre in our lives. Sometimes it was the distraction of the computer, sometimes fear or indecision. There are a myriad of ways that life gets in the way.

But given some time and reflection, it was possible to see these things clearer- and even find our way back to that sense of purpose and meaning that makes the difference in living a full life.

It was a very worthwhile day for many reasons. But one of the best parts was actually giving myself permission to slow down long enough to reflect on these things. Not just for a few minutes, but for the best part of the day.

 For many of us, it's hard to slow down pause and 'think' about our lives. We live in a culture that doesn't always value this kind of quiet introspection.We're very programmed to be 'doers and not day dreamers'. And although this is important in living rich and productive lives- it is also important to have the balance of rest- to be 'unproductive'. This is a time where we can regenerate, and heal, a time to come back to the place of quiet from within. The place of deep wisdom and peace. The place of balance.

In our yoga practice, it is also a time of entering into the quiet of our beings. Linking breath to movement, moving slowly from pose to pose, finding resting in Savasana.

May you find that time in your life to rest, to just be. It may be one of the most productive things you  ever do...

Namaste. _/\_

“You rest now. Rest for longer than you are used to resting. Make a stillness around you, a field of peace. Your best work, the best time of your life will grow out of this peace.” Peter Heller