Energy In, Energy Out

Balance...that's one of the primary themes of a yoga practice. I'm not talking about being able to hold your tree pose for long periods of time but about keeping our individual energy needs in check.

I'm also not talking about energy in the form of calories...we've all heard that to "maintain our weight, we need to take in as much energy in the form of calories as our body needs". They even have energy measuring devices on cardio equipment so you can see how many calories it takes to stride on your elliptical trainer for 20 minutes. 

What I'm referring to is the vital energy that is housed in our bodies, the same energy that flows throughout the greater universe. This energy, Prana, is a current that penetrates through our physical selves, our thinking minds and our spiritual being. We notice if this energy balance is out of whack when we over commit to things outside of us and under commit to keeping ourselves in good health.

We say yes to helping a friend, sitting on a committee, hosting an event or babysitting a child. All noble and loving acts...but in addition to all that we're already doing, we might be stretching ourselves a bit thin. We don't have enough reserve at the end of the day to meet more than our basic needs. Where's the time for you if you're always looking after things outside of you?

Many of us have had the experience where we push ourselves and slide right past the point where we need to say "no more" but keep going regardless. For short periods of time this is often easily managed but what if your m.o. is always turned to that switch?  What if taking time for yourself feels like a luxury rather than a necessity?

Now is a great time to reflect on what you do to support your own needs.  What are you doing to move and enjoy the power of your body?  How many moments in the day do you notice how your breath is moving in and out of your lungs?  Do you have at least 10 minutes in a day where you're not interrupted, asleep or connected to an electronic device?  Do you think about how the food you eat is becoming part of your body?  Is it nourishing you in the way you desire?  Are you connecting to people who love and support you?  Are you learning something new?

I was inspired to write about this topic because I'm about to embark on a very intense 12-day work stint. It's great on so many levels as part of it includes teaching in my yoga school yet I know that by day 12 my inner voice goes from a quiet whisper to a louder shout of "take time for yourself next weekend!".

So, I'm planning on not planning too much.  Perhaps some time with family and friends, good tea and green juices. Sunshine. Bicycling. No alarm clock.  Morning meditation.  A restorative pose for 20 minutes.

Ahhhh...back in balance.