overflow ... overwhelm ...

 

Yesterday I found myself opening up Facebook, seeing a huge number of notifications up by that little globe icon (notice how they use the color red which sends me the message urgent! attend to now!), clicking to see what had seemingly caused the world to implode while I was slumbering. As I scanned the list of activity my head nearly imploded.

I had to close the laptop and walk away.

I couldn't figure out what was rattling me so ... I mean, there are many private groups I participate in with wonderful people, fascinating material, great ideas and support ... it wasn't the usual run-of-the-mill facebook fodder ... photos of people's Sunday brunch orgy or gripe of the moment (yup, I'm prone to posting my vent-du-jour) ... there were quite a few things I wanted to catch up on and yet that moment felt like the zen story of a professor visiting a master to ask about the teachings. As the master poured tea the professor kept talking and talking and  the zen master kept pouring the tea, letting it spill over the cup and into the saucer.  When the professor commented upon it, the master replied "You say you want to learn but you are like this cup: so full nothing else can go in."

Of course I am both the cup and the teapot pouring pouring pouring ...

I actually felt like there were all these voices shouting at me, vying for my attention and I could not hear my own self in that moment.  

I think it must be the season. This is a time of inward being, hibernation, sitting in quiet and abiding in the wisdom of that which has been as I rest and ready myself that which waits to bud and grow.  I know I have been sleeping much more - 9 1/2 hours when I don't have to set the alarm.  Being with my family and falling into the meditative rhythm of knitting. 

 

Making more snowflakes and suncatchers (for what little sunlight we have) and watching the birds come to the feeders.

 

 

 So excuse me if I appear a little recluse-ish these days.  I've felt raw and tender.  I cried pretty much the entire time I was at work today (a whole different story of overwhelm and frustration.)  I am peeking out, catching your words, images and stories but not able to hold much.  Allowing myself time to empty. Perhaps that is the reason for so many tears? Washing myself clean.  Clearing my cobwebs and internal space so that when I am ready, I can fill again.

I am seeking the quiet wisdom that surrounds me in my home.  Little faces and friends keeping my hands and heart busy.  Oh, yes ... right ... I am building right now ... a virtual nest for myself and for anyone who wants to join me (two week away!  my heart swells and new tears form, but of a very different nature!) 

 

Do you feel the same pull this season?  How does the rhythm of Winter manifest in your life?  I am curious as I peer out from my cave. 

Energy Rx (an offering)

I wanted to offer this practice that has been so soothing for me and for my students and family.  As I surf the wild waves of the season, I am mindful that I have a whole arsenal of tools at my disposal ... it's just being mindful and remembering to use them!

I briefly discuss the concept of subtle energy channels or nadis as they are described in yoga.  This breathing practice is working with the Ida (the left channel, often described as cooling, soothing, lunar or feminine aspect)  and the Pingala (heating, active, solar or masculine aspect).   These two channels run up the center of the energy body, crisscrossing at key points in the Chakra system.  In some texts it is said they end at the nostrils (not the forehead/crown as I state in this video) and in others they are described as terminating at the level of the third eye chakra, the left channel merging into the right brain and the right channel merging with the left brain.  There is a third channel, the Sushumna, that runs up the entire length of the energy body which does run up through the crown of the head.  For anyone wanting more information, there are many good articles. 

What is of use is understanding that we want a balance of these two energies.  We want access to sun and moon, feminine and masculine, right and left brain function.  These two channels represent sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  These two systems make up our autonomic nervous system - in other words, the part of our nervous system that controls involuntary responses such as heart rate, digestion, circulation to name a few.  When one aspect dominates, there is imbalance, stress and if left unchecked, illness.  A popular analogy is our body is a car and the brake and gas pedal are the autonomic responses.  So this breathing practice helps the body and the mind return to a state of balance where we are neither pushing the pedal to the metal nor riding break.  

I invite you to try this simple practice out and measures its effects upon the body, mind and breath.  I've actually used this practice when having blood drawn to assist blood flow (we say in yoga, where the mind goes, energy and blood flows) and studies have suggested it may positively impact blood pressure.  If nothing else, I hope you find it is a welcome pause in a busy day!






password: breathingbreak

For more practices and ideas for slowing down and making time for exquisite self care, visit my ecourse InnerGlow Self Care and learn how you can enjoy a four-week home retreat!