Beginnings (part 2)
It is a hard and beautiful time to be alive. These words could likely be written, read, spoken, heard at any time in history to accurately represent life, yet they seem particularly fitting in this present moment.
Many of us right now are likely angered, saddened, anxious. As if we didn’t have enough already to carry, we bore witness earlier this week to an incomprehensible act of sedition and insurrection at one of the foremost symbols of democracy in the world. We are shaken.
I don’t want to understate this. And I also don’t want to cause any more anger, sadness or anxiety by writing about it as though I have answers. I am still processing my own thoughts and emotions, especially as this act happened not 2 miles from my house in the city I have proudly called home for more than 15 years. I am shaken.
It is during these moments of incomprehension that I am even more grateful for my self-care and well-being practices that are so strongly anchored in yoga. It is through these disciplined practices that I can still attempt an inner calm despite all that is with respect to work and love and life.
So as we enter into week two of this new year, and expand upon our reflection on Beginnings which we started last week, what might we implement today to nurture and foster this inner stillness and influence our perspective on life?
Finding this Inner Calm
I want for all of us—myself included—to judge less, to prioritize joy more, to find an inner peace. As we approach this year and each moment that will contribute to it, can we focus on them as the transition into something else in effort to tap into the natural excitement, enthusiasm and possibility that come with new beginnings to better experience life in the present?
I choose yes.
What I share below are simple activities that can be implemented in our day-to-day lives relatively easily. I don’t recommend adding all at once, as we do want this inner calm to be achievable and sustainable (and not a source of stress!). I do recommend, where possible, stacking them on top of other activities you already do. For example, you might already purchase or make coffee* each morning—go the long way to the coffee shop to add moving to your day, or keep your meditation cushion near your coffee machine to encourage sitting, or being, as a part of your morning ritual.
Let me know if you try any of the below and what works for you!
Tips for Nurturing & Fostering this Inner Calm Into Your Day-to-Day
MOVE.
Go the long way through your neighbourhood to grab your morning coffee*…and the long way home
Walk around the block to pick up your mail
Do a “wall chair” for 2min on/2min off during a catch up phone call with a parent, sibling or friend
Have a dance party at 5p (and remember—it’s always 5p somewhere)
Do 1min of push-up planks against your desk or wall during a morning meeting
Do 2min of jumping jacks at the top of every hour
Commit to moving 21min per day—these are not cumulative, you don’t get extra credit for more (when you overachieve, congratulations!)
Sign up for a weekly yoga class and preserve its importance on your schedule—work with your teacher to integrate small things you can do each day
BREATHE.
Set notifications (via email or your smartphone) to go off at 10a, 2p, 6p, 10p to remind yourself to take conscious breaths
Set other notifications to remind you to eat a healthy snack, or to hydrate, or to go outside for fresh air (yes, these all incorporate finding pause and incorporating breath)
Reach out to family and friends with whom you have not connected in awhile—set up dates and times to catch up
Register for a yoga class with a strong emphasis on breath work, such as Kundalini or pranayama
BE.
Place your meditation cushion near your coffee* machine so that you can readily sit as you wait for your coffee to brew
Schedule even just 5min in-between meetings or conversations for you to drop into yourself, centering and becoming mindful, welcoming in self-compassion
Place your journal on your nightstand so that you can write in it right before bed (or first thing in the morning)
Remove any electronic devices (except for an alarm, if needed) from your bedroom
Take a yoga class focused on rest and relaxation, such as restorative, Yoga Nidra or Yin
Simple activities like the above might take time to become habit or a part of our daily routines, but they can all contribute to influencing an inner stillness that allows us to better handle the seemingly endless struggles and strifes that make life hard…and beautiful.
XO
*Speaking of coffee, if you like what we’re doing, please consider supporting our efforts to continue to bring thoughtful writing to you and inquisitive teachings through you. Perhaps buy us a cup of coffee. Take one of our signature classes if you haven’t yet. Sign up for one of our new offerings. Comment on our blog posts. Follow us on social media. Invite someone to join our small and growing community. Or, as I said, buy us a cup of coffee.
