Finding Balance
It feels as though things have been moving at a rapid pace over the past month. Many of us are experiencing feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent several days in bed with COVID. Without the ability to work, teach yoga, or connect with friends in person, I found myself slipping into the habit of doom scrolling through the news and social media to pass he time. As with any obsession, this excessive behavior proved unhealthy, and I could feel myself starting to spiral. Once I began to feel better physically and able to reconnect with others in person, I felt the weight of the darkness begin to lift.
In times like these, especially when things feel overwhelming, it’s crucial to set boundaries for our own well-being. We must find a balance between staying informed and taking the time to rest and recharge. After all, we can’t show up as our best selves for others if we are emotionally drained or exhausted. The world needs our love and light now more than ever.
Brahmacharya, the fourth yama of yoga, translates to ‘Non-Excess.’ Though this principle is often interpreted in terms of abstinence, its true meaning extends to balancing our senses and making conscious choices that conserve our energy and keep our minds focused. In The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, author Deborah Adele writes, “In yogic thought, there is a moment in time when we reach the perfect limit of what we are engaged in. It is this moment of ‘just enough’ that we need to recognize. Beyond this point, we begin our descent into excess.”
I believe it is important to stay informed and engaged with current affairs, but more important than ever to prioritize rest and finding moments of joy. Take time to unplug, disconnect, dance, sing, share coffee with friends, attend yoga classes, create art, or indulge in a long, relaxing bath. It’s a cycle of self-care that gives us the strength to engage with the world with more love and presence.
Teaching yoga, meditating, leading a Reiki training and listening to live music with friends have all warmed my heart and lifted my spirits during the last month. Let me know what things you are doing to find peace and joy at this time.
xo
Susan