© Copyright 2022 Artwork by Cordi Neckermann
Sometimes, we can do all the chilling and netflix-ing and it doesn’t seem to be enough. Just like we spend quality time with loved ones, we have to spend quality time with ourselves. This is where the practice of yoga comes in handy. There are many different definitions and translations of yoga, but the one I like best is “union”; bringing together body, mind and heart. The focus is on YOU and creating a treasured relationship with yourself.
Ease of flow
Sukha and Dukha are Sanskrit words used to describe the state of flow in yoga. Sukha being the ease of flow and Dukha being obstruction of flow. I love these descriptions because they apply to every aspect of yoga from the physical practice, to the breath work, to meditation and emotions. In all of these areas, a gentle flow is always more helpful than forceful pushing or clearing. Only when we are kind to ourselves, are we able to create this ease of flow and remove any physical or mental obstructions.
Ready, Set, Listen
What is the kindest thing we can do for a friend who is stressed out and overwhelmed? Simply sit with them and listen. This is exactly what we should do for ourselves, when taking some much needed 'quality-me-time; Take a moment to listen to your body, mind and heart. Here's how:
Make yourself really comfortable in a place where you know you won’t be disturbed for at least three minutes. (I used to do this in the bathroom when my day was super busy!) You can sit or lie down; whatever is most comfortable for you.
Close your eyes, take a deep breathe in through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth, then ask yourself: How am I feeling today? How am I feeling right this second?
There will be all kinds of thoughts rushing through your mind, but just try to listen, like you would do for a good friend. Don’t interrupt, don’t lecture and most of all, don’t judge. Just be there and listen.
Uncovering the inner Superhero
No thought is too strange or too stupid. It is important that all thoughts are heard. Let them bubble up and float away like clouds. No need to forcefully clear your mind or get rid of your thoughts. All our thoughts are precious; the good ones and the not-so helpful ones. Thoughts are like little children; they want to be heard and if you ignore them or try to quieten them , they will just get louder.
Learning to just listen to our thoughts without interacting or interfering can help us to decipher which thoughts are helpful and which ones are just the little devil or inner critic on our shoulder, trying to scare us.
Underneath all your thoughts and voices, your inner superhero is hiding. The voice that says, 'Yes, I know all that, but I am stronger. Of course I’m scared, but I'm going to do it anyway. I can be my own cheerleader because I know that whatever feels right, is the right choice for me.' Ultimately, our inner superhero always guides us back to love and self-belief.
I call this voice my inner superhero because I’m a huge comic and fantasy nerd, but there are other names for it, such as intuition or inner guide. The point is that you make it your own, call it whatever feels right for you. Maybe it's the power of your 'inner unicorn' or 'the wisdom of your inner yellow frog'. What matters is that this is the unique and wonderful you that you listen to, one which makes all the other voices and thoughts naturally disappear, without forcefully being cleared away.
Give this super simple exercise a try and spend some quality time with yourself. I’m sure you have an inner superhero just waiting to come out.
Visit CordiPower.com for more blogs, classes and things to do, for quality 'me-time' ideas.
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P.S. I love this line out of the song “What about us” by P!NK:
Sticks and stones, they may break these bones
But then I'll be ready, are you ready?
It's the start of us, waking up, come on
Are you ready? I'll be ready!