The last few weeks of the year is always busy. I remember when I was high school administrator- teachers and I would speak often of creative ways to keeps students engaged and focused. With the holidays swiftly approaching, it’s fair to say that that it’s not just teenagers that seem to be all over the place. Most of us are fractured in thought this time of year. We’ve got a lot going on! Whether it’s the reality that our holidays are not so happy, the thought of having to plan another family gathering, or the expense that this season often brings, it’s a lot. This has been labeled the giving season- but as I watch and observe, it seems often like the doing season. We have to visit, shop, cook, clean, and prep, we are just on the go-go-go.
In the end, it’s always worth it, but we are always burnt out and exhausted AND there is no recovery time, by the time we finish cleaning the dishes and putting them away, we are preparing to do it all again. However a yoga practice is that time to pause. It’s not just about strong arms and lean muscle, it’s about being and breathing. Most of the classes in my yoga studio are 75 minutes. That time is sacred. It is crafted and carved out specifically for each student to go within. To be on their mat. In their body. With their breath.
We don’t always make the time or have the time to take care… well, maybe not 75 minutes. But we we do have five. Yes, we do. Between now and the holidays. Take five minutes to just sit. Just be. No to do list. No social media posts. No web surfing. Sit and be. Breathe. If sitting in stillness or in silence is a struggle for you, I suggest sitting in front of a plant, flower, or my personal favorite- a lit candle (it can be one of those flickering fake ones). Just breathe and let your soft gaze be on that flower, plant or candle. If you know you need sound around you, choose “spa” music- something with no lyrics. We want to use these five minutes to pause, sit and be- not sing along and dance like nobody’s watching. You can do that two- but then take ten minutes!! 🙂 Why not, you’re worth it, you’ll be better for you. And when it’s said and done, the time will go by quicker than a New York minute…time well spent.
