Day 8: Meditate

Based on today's title, I knew that the practice would be slow and relaxed. Per usual, I have grown to appreciate the slower pace and more foundational approach to Adriene's practices. Yet another thing that I admire about Adriene is that she's not afraid to try new things. A lot of yoga teachers can fall into a pattern. Their classes can start to feel predictable if not formulaic. While not necessarily a bad thing—especially for those who are addicted to routine—Adriene's journey is symbolic of life in many ways: some days are quick and firey, some days are slow and methodical; some days we're more chatty or philosophical, and other days we just want to move in silence.

Adriene doesn't skimp on setting the mood for the practice. While it was sunny and bright in State College, the light rain outside of Adriene's window was enough to feel sleepy and cozy. Even Benji—Adriene's beloved dog who makes an appearance in every video—seemed more lethargic.

https://yogawithadriene.com/4410-2/

As per Adriene's suggestions, I lit a candle, grabbed a blanket and pillow, and nuzzled into a comfy sweater. Adriene was quick to clarify that "if you were expecting a workout, try to trust that this is what you need today."

While I don't like it when other people tell me what I need, it turns out Adriene was right. As if she were reading my mind, she noted that we often try to overcome obstacles by muscling through, but pushing ourselves to do more. We think that if we just get this one project done, complete these five tasks, ten tasks, work ourselves to death, then we'll be happy.

And this is all true.

As I've been feeling better, I've added more and more items. But, in a state of panic, I wonder how I'm going to get it all done, or how I can possibly add work and hobbies into my routine. As I add to my to-do list, I do get it done. But I feel rushed, anxious, and on edge the whole time.

Not to say that we should avoid productivity or busy-ness all the time. But Adriene's meditation practice encouraged us to recognize that we need those off days to be ready for the on. We should listen to our bodies, trust our intuition, and let these slow days feel—as Adriene puts it—yummy. Slowing down and panicking about what we have to do in the next week kind of defeats the purpose.

When talking with a dear friend who frequently works 2 jobs, goes to school full time, regularly goes on 6 mile runs, and maintains a thriving social life, I asked, "how the hell do you do it?" I expected an answer like "well, I go to bed at 1:00 and wake up at 3:00, and oh did I mention I'm on cocaine?" (one of these things is not true). Instead, she said, "I've learned to listen to my body. When I feel like I need a day to binge Netflix and stay in bed all day, I do it. But other days I know I need to push myself and will feel better when I've been productive."

As everyone who has ever known me has noticed, I work in extremes. I'm either running through a 20 item to-do list, not stopping for a moment to breathe, or I'm immobilized, refusing to leave the couch. But the people I most admire embody the middle way in such a way that they listen to their own bodies as though they were trusted friends or family members.

When Adriene repeats "inhale lots of love in, exhale lots of love out," she refers to those we love and cherish as well as our spirits, but this was the first day I recognized that this love can also extend to the physical body. Our bodies are far smarter than our brains. They know when you're hungry. They know when you need to take a day to nap and snuggle with a blanket without extending it to two months (usually). They know. We just need to listen. To meditate. To be okay with that silence to check in with ourselves.

So there was no guilt with my slower yoga practice. I am taking tomorrow to pause Adriene's series, to nudge myself to take a level 2-3 class at a studio I have rarely visited. New things. New experiences. New things to listen to, to take in.

Until tomorrow,

Namaste.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHwYuOWiGBI