We’ve posted about this before and decided it was time to share it again!
I think about my life right now – the pace of “should’s” and “could’s” and “to-do’s” filling up all the nooks and crannies in my schedule. I use my calendar to give each of my to-do’s time in the day to make sure I do them and to make sure there is time. And when there isn’t, I end up with a pile of calendar items all to do at the same time – what a mess of indecision and disappointment! In the midst of this busy stream of my human life, my puppy sits there sleeping with his head under a bed or couch. He reminds me of the need for naps and rest in between intense times of play or work. How have we as humans lost the ability to pause and be still? To listen when our bodies and minds need rest? How do we even begin to regain that balance in our daily “grind”?
I’ve been studying yoga and contemplative practices with a group at the San Marcos School of Yoga. At the end of each day we experience some sort of restorative practice or pose. A few minutes in some of these poses or experiences can feel like hours of rest – and help you sleep better when you get to bed! What a great tool for healing the mind and emotions. What a deep need for caregivers and supporters. And for this one, you don’t even need to have any knowledge of yoga!
I had heard of Yoga Nidra before, but had never done it. In fact I didn’t know – is it something you “do” or “practice” or “see”? I learned that Yoga Nidra is a yogic sleep – and you begin almost like you are in Savasana (resting pose) but with extra blankets and padding underneath you. Once settled comfortably, someone leads you through a visualization in your body and spirit to guide you to deep, deep rest. I practiced this and felt so calm and self-aware afterwards. I have cravings for it now. Better than a bedtime story, this will surely give your whole self a recharge in less than 15 minutes.
Since I can’t come read to you, you can download audio files to listen for your Nidra experience
Looking for more? Check out some of the other restorative poses on Lacuna Loft. Viparita Karani is a great choice if you have a wall and 10 minutes for quiet!
What do you do to recharge your batteries? Making space to rest during cancer is so important. How do you create this space?
