Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Laziness and our ability to be curious



We live in a complex world that asks a lot of us. We have many ways of showing up to our living. What if we strive to be curious about comfort and discomfort? What if we investigate the ways our bodies respond in situations that are comforting or discomforting? Can we give our minds and hearts a break as they are struggling to find comfort in the chaos of living? Some people suggest 'focusing on the joy', but I want to expand that to focusing on all of the feelings and sensations beyond our pain, discomfort, hopelessness, doubt, ambivalence. Be open to feeling it all, but know that you get to determine what of those sensations to focus on, to feed.





"Traditionally, laziness is taught as one of the obstacles to awakening. There are different kinds of laziness. First, there’s the laziness of comfort orientation, we just try to stay comfortable and cozy. Then there’s the laziness of loss of heart, a kind of deep discouragement, a feeling of giving up on ourselves, of hopelessness. There’s also the laziness of couldn’t care less. That’s when we harden into resignation and bitterness and just close down." -Pema Chöndrön

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

fatigue relief!

Friends, family, clients, and even I myself feel too tired most days. It is annoying to be told to try some stretch or pose or activity to alleviate this exhaustion because, I'm just too tired! However, this is a constant lesson for me: when we create time for ourselves, we find more time.

A colleague of mine, incredible visual artist and yoga teacher, Jen Van de Pol, the person who began my evening ritual of tulsi-rose tea, offered this collection of restorative poses to help combat this constant, ever-growing exhaustion.

I hope you can, as I have, rest into it to find relief.


Tuesday, January 2, 2018

soak it up

A selection of Woman in a Bath Sponging Her Leg (1883) by Edgar Degas
 



I am a big believer in the power of a soak. 

We've come a long way in the history of bathing in America. The tradition of soaking is much longer, especially in the places with thermal pools, naturally occurring hot springs. It wasn't until mid-19th century that bath tubs were common in the States, and only in for the wealthy. At the time they were mostly used for cold plunges, to 'balance the humors'. In the mansions of Newport, RI the homes along the Atlantic had tubs with salt water AND fresh water. With the ease if modern indoor plumbing, the baths we enjoy today are much warmer and an act of relaxation.

As many of my clients know, I don't have a shower only a tub. So, most nights I find myself soaking, usually in Epsom salts. A soak is part of my evening ritual, more than just the act of bathing it is my time to slow down, reflect, and be with myself.

The benefits of soaking are innumerable. I often suggest a soak to clients after sessions, to bring heat to the muscles, to help circulation. A soak in a tub is a radical act toward your own self care. To be solitary, to be submerged, to be still, to be wrapped in the comfort of warm water.


You can get more bath inspiration from my friends at Mountain Rose Herbs: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-bath-recipes