Autumn tends to be the time when I start reflect, draw inward, and even get a little nostalgic as I prepare for the long winter that lies ahead. I personally love this season, and take comfort in its glorious perks: cozy sweaters, knee-high boots, cinnamon-infused teas, apple cider, butternut squash soup, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and cool, sweat-free, morning strolls to work.
So I really, really love this note from Flow Yoga Center owner Deb Perlson-Mishalove, where she shares her recent discovery of the art of relaxation this autumn and encourages her students to use the season to learn to relax. I am pasting the note in its entirety below, and encourage you to share it with your friends, co-workers, family… or anyone who needs to be reminded that it’s okay to relax. Really.
Deb’s Note:
Our culture invariably supposes that action and accomplishment is better than rest, that doing something–anything–is better than doing nothing. Because of our desire to succeed, to meet these ever-growing expectations, we do not rest. Because we do not rest, we lose our way. We miss the compass points that would show us where to go, we bypass the nourishment that would give us succor. We miss the quiet that would give us wisdom. We miss the joy and love born of effortless delight. Poisoned by this hypnotic belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort, we can never truly rest. And for want of rest, our lives are in danger.” -Wayne Muller – Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives
Right before summer, an insightful friend sent me this life-changing book – “Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives”. She was prompted to give it to me after she realized every time she asked me how I was doing – I would say -”I am so busy”.
The book is such a treasure and has motivated me to take a deeper look at the struggle I often feel in balancing my energy around the various roles I play in my life and the frenzy of activity that fills my days.
I decided to experiment with the idea of taking a day of Sabbath each week with my family. A full twenty-four hours in which I commit to resting and relaxing. This means no electronics (including computer, alarm clock, cell phone, tv), no cooking meals that take more then 10 minutes (take-out and preparing the day before works wonders!), no work-related activities, and no organized plans.
Deb Perlson-Mishalove, Flow Yoga Center
The first day we did it, my husband eased into it effortlessly, but I felt restless because I am so used to having “something” to do and my mind feels constantly pulled in different directions. But as the day rolled on and I chilled out in hammock and actually fell asleep (I never did that before!) I realized I needed this unstructured time more than I thought. I read fiction, played with my son without worrying about running to a play date or appointment, took a bike ride and went for a long walk in the woods. The stress of being disconnected and out of touch dissolved and I reconnected with myself in a way I hadn’t in a while.
The tradition of Sabbath for many cultures is ancient and integral. I totally get it now. The biggest surprise for me is that I don’t come out of the day feeling like a zillion to-dos have piled up and I am now behind. Instead, I feel re-energized, more creative and ready to manage what’s in front of me. I guess you can say it is similar to how I feel after a taking a yoga class, but a full twenty-four hour cycle illuminates it even more!
As Fall rolls around, and my schedule begins to fill up even more I am going to continue to keep this tradition sacred for myself and my family. I hope my experience encourages you to try out your own version of Sabbath. Let me know how it goes!
Warm oms,
Debra
Posted by: Kelly
