People talk about spring as a time of rebirth, refreshing, and reawakening after a winter of sluggishness, and it definitely is. But for some of us, the summer is a challenge: heat is unbearable, especially humidity. Many of us recede into the comfort of air conditioning and avoid being outside and socializing. We "disappear" during the summer months when everyone else seems to be out having fun and soaking up the rays. For the "Summer Hibernators" Fall isn't just a return to routine, it is a return to feeling like we can breathe again. That we can go outside in peace. If you are one of those people, you are not alone!!! Take advantage of the cooler and drier air to slowly get back into your normal activities. Feel your lungs fill with fresh air as you go out for a walk. Notice your body as it begins to feel alive again, maybe you start to feel "like yourself". Maybe you forgot how this feels! Use this newfound knowlege to perhaps give yourself a break when the humidity or heat press down on you and slow down on your activities. Allow yourself to hibernate, to ease your schedule. On the mat, explore cooler practices, gentler poses. Trust that the energy in your body will return when the mercury goes down. Take the leap of faith!
On the other hand, if you are a classic "Winter Hibernator" take comfort in knowing that even in the midst of the dark cold days of winter, that you will return to "yourself" when the temperature moderates again.
Either way, begin to develop a trust in the inner wisdom of your body, listen to the signals it is sending, whether you are a runner, a yogi, a swimmer, a cyclist, or whatever else you do to find peace in your body and mind. It will never steer you wrong! As I said today in a class, this body has gotten you this far, trust that it can take you another mile!
See you on the mat...
