Week Two of Social Distancing: Getting out of My Head and Into My Body
With week two of social distancing behind us and week three ahead of us, we are all adapting in various ways as some routines start to settle and other parts of life are still shifting - grocery runs might be different, schooling and group workout classes are now being done virtually in some way, each state’s governor is showing his/her value and leadership, and we are feeling the warmth of the sun when it’s out with more signs of spring arriving each day! I am still on a roller coaster of emotions; with anxiety buzzing on and off on a daily, and often hourly basis, and my mood significantly shifting based on the weather - who else found themselves bummed on the cloudy/snowy/rainy days and just utterly happy on the sunny, warm days? Mother Nature is reminding us in so many ways to simply be patient and present with each moment, each day, each feeling, and each sunrise and sunset; nothing is ever the same.
Ultimately what really surfaced for me for me last week was the absolute need and massive benefit to take time to get out of my head and back in my body; presence and patience are tough for my mind, but savory for my body. It may seem surprising to some of you that I need to be reminded of the importance of this as a yoga therapist and movement coach, but, just like most of you, my mind takes over and sometimes it’s hard to step away from work, worry and what if’s. While getting out of my head and back into my body doesn’t really solve anything in the moment, it gives a brief moment of letting go, it helps me prioritize what is important, it opens my mind for other possibilities, it brings presence, and it just feels good - I called it “feeling my body smile” in a coaching session this past week and I need more of that right now - heck, I think we all need more of that right now. And I love that feeling so much that even just the thought of a body smile makes me smile and get out of my busy mind just for a moment.
What helps you get out of your mind and into your body bringing with it a body smile? For me the list includes:
Dancing - This is probably the quickest way for me to get out of my head, I have a few playlists that I rely on or I’ll just put on whatever I need at the time, just one song can really be a total game changer for the day and my mood. Most of the time I look completely ridiculous and even make myself laugh at how terrible my dance moves are, but that makes it all the better - completely and unabashedly in my body!
Walking and playing with our dogs - Our dogs have been an absolute savior for me during this time; they have no clue about the global pandemic and instead are just so pumped that their humans are home so much more, that they get to be outside more, and that the chipmunks, birds and warm sunshine are back. Watching their joy, taking them for walks and playing with them in the yard gives me moments of time away from my busy mind and the busy world.
Virtual recorded classes - Yoga, movement, breathing and Feldenkrais classes via Zoom have also rescued me. These virtual classes have allowed me to stay connected to my favorite teachers and connect with new teachers in other areas; there is nothing like being guided through a mindful movement practice with experienced teachers. For me these have been a reprieve and an immediate refill on my inspiration; allowing me to move and rest at the same time.
Breathing - I took a Wim Hof Method class on Saturday with Samuel Whititng via Zoom and it was powerful; he’s leading another one on Saturday the 4th, if you’re interested. I have practiced the Wim Hof Method before but in shorter doses, and I practice breathing on my own and in the classes I take on a very regular basis, but this class was different. The practice reminded me and showed me how much my mind can get in the way - the doubt, the fear, the sneaky thoughts that come in and sweep me away for a moment - and it showed me how powerful and expansive our breath and insides can be.
Meditation - Every morning and most afternoons, I take 10-15 minutes to meditate. I have meditated in a variety of ways for the past 7 years and without the practice I would not be the same person. Meditation is not a practice to stop the mind from thinking, the mind will always think, it is a practice to not let the mind and those ever present thoughts always be in control. Meditation changes the brain and changes the body; it is a form of practiced rest that we all could use more of right now. If you want some resources, let me know.
There you have it, my list and reminders to keep returning back to my body when my mind gets a little too noisy in this every changing time of social distancing, working and learning from home, and heightened worry of the unknown. Let’s see what week three brings!