Sometimes you know exactly what you need. At other times, it’s hard to know what your body and soul are calling for until you get it. Think about all those times you felt better after a posture class, not realizing that you needed the particular poses and sequence your teacher offered up until after you did them.
This global health situation we’ve been in these last few months is unprecedented in our lifetimes, and we’re all figuring it out as we go. Things keep changing so fast.
I know it’s tough to see it, but you will get through this time. The important thing is to give yourself some grace and permission to be imperfect.
We've all had and will continue to have our moments of being human. Back in the beginning I got teary seeing the Starbucks without any seating (was that just me?). I've had freaks outs about not finding what I needed at the store, and have gotten mad at the people who crowd me at the grocery store. Maybe you're getting frustrated with family members and your lack of me time, panicking at the slightest pollen-induced sneeze or cough, or feeling a drop deep in your belly at seeing all the case numbers, and the list goes on.
After some Svadhyaya (Self Study), I realized that what hit me in me in these moments was the gravity and lack of precedence for the situation we’re facing.
They were all times when “things just got real.” We're all having these moments in our own ways. It's like waking up and realizing that something you hoped had been a dream really isn’t. We’re all experiencing fear, insecurity, uncertainty, and loss.
I’m not just referring to the loss of lives from the illness. I’m talking about the undoing of our world as we knew it, one with freedom of movement and without high-level fear of contact and contagion. We are collectively grieving the way of living that we knew.
If you look back over the last few months, you might remember times that you were in denial, experiencing anger and anxiety, struggling to make sense of what’s happening, feeling overwhelmed and depressed, and accepting reality by putting plans and systems in place, even if only in minor ways. These are the steps of the grieving process.
From a yogic perspective, the loss of freedom is perceived. The ancient texts say that you always have the power to change your experience and prevent future suffering, even in this new way of operating in the world. You might not be able to control what’s happening around you, and you do have the freedom to choose how you respond. That's why you practice.
Even just a quick look at the first of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the Yama (Restraints) can help you find quick and easy ways to take back your power and feel better. If you’ve seen these suggestions elsewhere, consider how viewing them as ways to reconnect to your yoga practice and yourself can change your perspective from one of helplessness to empowerment.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence or Peace). Be gentle with yourself and others. That means taking care of yourself and others with healthy habits and acts of kindness, like keeping your distance, wearing a mask, going for walks when you can, staying hydrated, reaching out to a lonely friend or relative, being there for one another in the ways we’re able to be.
Satya (Truth). Acknowledge the truth and gravity of the situation and what you’re feeling. Those emotions are part of the human experience at this time. Only once you recognize the truth of your feelings can you then transcend and release them, which is key to keeping your immune system healthy.
Asteya (Non-Stealing or Abundance). Stock up but don’t buy all the toilet paper! You’ll be able to go to the store again. They're restocking every day. Trusting in abundance can ease your fear.
Brahmacharya (Continence or Moderation). Moderate your intake of the news. It will zap your energy and plunge you back into the panic and sadness. Stay aware, but don’t be addicted.
Aparigraha (Non-Jealousy or Self-Reliance). Stop comparing yourself to how others are handling this time. Just because that Instagram post looks like everyone is getting along while they’re homeschooling doesn’t mean everything is peachy. We all handle stress and grief differently.
Check out my post Your Yoga Toolkit for Finding Relief to learn more about the rest of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Again, give yourself some grace, and let go of the expectation of being perfect. You've got this!
Speak Your Truth
What have been your "things just got real moments” so far? How are you coping? What's easing you through this time? How can these yoga principles help you?
In wellness, joy, and inspiration,
Tami