Posts Tagged "loving every day"

Slowly, Gently, Mindfully

Posted by Elle on Apr 28, 2012 | 0 comments

How often have I heard my yoga instructor say that?? Slowly make your way into downward facing dog. Gently roll out of your shoulder stand one vertebrae at a time. Be mindful of your breath as you lift into bridge. Such subtle reminders that I have been missing all this time! Well I guess the adage is true, the more you learn the more you need to learn. My yoga has always been about moving from this pose to that pose. I never paid much attention to how I got there! Ahhh and then I guess its true for life too, it always is…

Rush rush rush…

I have been in major rush  mode in my life lately. There are so many things I want to do!! I want to learn to play the harp. I want to study a language. I want to travel to a foreign country. I really want to spend more time with my Young Lifers who I love! I want to soak in every minute that I’m with Garret or my family- and I want to see them all more! I love my job and I want to work hard at it. I love my friends and I want to have tons of fun girls nights with them! But what happens in between all of these things? When I’m rushing straight from work to girls night or Young Life, or my hair appointment. What is going on when I get home at 9 then write a blog or watch New Girl? How about when I’m hurriedly showering after yoga so I can make it to work on time; or when I’m changing fast as lightning to get a run in before darkness hits. It’s a really weird sort of burn out. I guess I would call it  happily exhausted. Each one of these activities are things that I ABSOLUTELY love doing. I’m truly living out my passions right now. But I have SO MANY passions and I WANT to keep doing them!

Slowly, Gently, Mindfully

In between all of these things I have hours of commuting, minutes of enjoying a meal, blissful seconds when I can take a deep breath. These are the moments when I wear myself out. I can handle all of the amazing things going on in my life, but not when I’m moving quickly from one thing to the next. There is an in-between, just like in yoga, where transitioning from one thing to the next can be slower, gentler, and more mindful. Simply clearing my mind to spend a drive in prayer or watching the sunrise when I’m eating breakfast in the morning can mean the difference between frayed nerves or peaceful bliss.

At yoga this week, I heard my instructor’s gentle reminders for the in-between moments. Slowly rolling up one vertebrae at a time can heal your back. Allowing a second to bend your knees can add years on to your precious joints. Listening to your breath with every inhale and exhale can ease anxiety and clear clutter from your mind. Savoring a moment to set an intention is medicine for your soul. Doing the same in life can bring happiness, joy, peace, and a chance to soak-in all of that life you’ve been living.

Imagine Having a Savasana Whenever you Want It!

Whenever I want I can look up from my work and gaze out the window and take a few deep breaths. I can put my to-do list aside when I’m blow drying my hair and think of all the things I am grateful for. I can take a second to savor the aroma of my coffee beans before I grind them. I can enjoy a silent drive on the way to my next destination. I can look at the stars before going to bed. I can even take a look at Pinterest whenever I need a second to see some beauty. All of these things are available to me and you. EVERYDAY! I suppose this is all part of enjoying the small things in life, but enjoying them can make a big difference in my day. Maybe instead of happily exhausted, I can strive for happily living.

I hope that you can too! Have a beautiful weekend!