“We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.”
~ B.K.S. Iyengar,
Light on Life
I went to the optometrist for the first time just last week. My day job requires hours of screen time, and I sit through a lot of meetings. I’d become aware of my need to squint at the projection screen. And though it took me a while, I’d made the connection between an hour-long presentation and the headache I’d get above my left temple later that day.
It turns out I’m nearsighted, and my left eye is weaker than my right. As I sat in the dark room, eyes watering from the drops, I had that
aha! moment. My body was telling me
exactly what was going on.
Our bodies often let us know what we need and when we need it, and we better listen up.
There's something transformative in recognizing when you need to attend to your own wellbeing before anything else.
It’s especially important at this time of the year. Things move quickly during the holidays, and we want to be everything to everyone. But it's at this time of the year when, what we really need, is a moment to slow down, tune in, and take care.
When you’re on your mat this week – and when you’re not – act on what your body needs. Be receptive to the signs and signals, and allow yourself these moments of self-care.
For me, that will be toting around a pair of new glasses.
Be well,
Alicia
