Holding on to courage as we transition to autumn
Have you found it harder to get out of bed early in the morning when it is still dark outside?
I know I have.
I have found myself feeling a little more resistant than usual to wake up and start my morning practice.
Today I reminded myself that some days it takes extra courage but that it is always worth it.
I took a deep breath and slowly transitioned to my yoga mat. A sense of accomplishment immediately settled in.
I looked up to the dark sky through the window. If felt as if I was the only one awake. Even the Eiffel Tower seemed to be resting.
I lifted my arms to start my yoga practice, then I saw it: a tiny "piece" of the moon shining bright. It was beautiful.
The moon quickly disappeared behind the clouds. I was lucky to have seen it!
It is so easy to wake up and be distracted with the phone, the thoughts, the worries, the "to-do list".
It is so easy to go outside and not pay attention to our surroundings.
It is so easy to get into the habit of not paying attention to how unique every day is.
Morning, midday, and night are the backbone of our days, like the bones in our bodies that help us keep upright.
These special times of the day are a gift and an opportunity to do something kind for your body:
To notice your posture and release stress in your shoulders
To take a deep inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth as you allow your nervous system to relax a little
To drink a glass of water
To eat something nourishing for your body (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)
To take a pause and look at the clouds, or a nearby tree, or a green plant. Connecting to nature helps relax the nervous system.
Then you can carry on and continue to do all that you are meant to do that day.
Look for the good moments, catch them and keep them close. They will be useful when you do your mental daily inventory. Always try to capture the positive moments, as small as they may seem, make them count.
Remind yourself that each morning you can start again.