Restore

How often do we spend so much of our day going and planning?  I bet there are some days that the only time you stop is when you lay your head down on the pillow to go to sleep.  Some may say how blessed you are to have a life so full, while to others it may feel like a burden to have so much responsibility.  Regardless of your stance, it’s so important to your vitality to find time to just be.  To restore and allow the body, mind, and soul time to breathe and harmonize.  I hear a lot from people that it can be a challenge to turn off their mind and how their body feels restless.  I also hear from both men and women that they are experiencing sleepless nights and pain in their bodies.  Restoration is the simplest remedy for all symptoms.  Taking the time to create a restorative practice is the secret to achieving peace of mind, an open heart, and a body that can feel relaxed.  The key to restoration is finding a practice that resonates within you and then making it a part of each day.  Yoga offers asana (yoga poses) specifically designed for this.  Many studios will offer "Yin" or "Restorative" classes.  The poses are gentle and held longer so that your body can relax and open rather than stretch and strengthen.  This intention can invite your mind to let down from thinking so that your soul can be fed.  Meditation during these practices happens subtly and before you know it, you’re blissed out.  It’s simply delicious and I encourage anyone and everyone.  Restoration isn’t just found at a yoga studio though.  You can create this all on your own just as you create everything else in your schedule.  How?  Well that’s up to you...but I do have a few suggestions.  Perhaps start by scheduling time to be with yourself in each day.  You can find many restorative poses online that you can do all on your own.  Create a sacred space just for you...such as a room or designated area that makes you feel yummy.  Spend time personalizing that space with your favorite colors, scents, or perhaps find yourself in the comforts of a soft blanket or chair...even a picture or a quote that evokes “you”.  Make the space inviting so that you crave it and look forward to spending time there knowing that when you do, you will be rewarded with serenity.  Now, once you’re there, just be.  No distractions like TV, cell phones, or daily planners.  Perhaps entice the ambiance with some soft Zen music or the sounds of water.  Close your eyes and allow your mind to drift off...notice your body and give it permission to feel comfortable and relaxed.  In time you will find yourself there longer and longer.  It may even inspire you to dream!  You are worth this.  Restore and reconnect... time with your soul is the gift that keeps on giving...to you and every aspect of your overall being-  

and...Exhale-