it's cooler and darker in the early, early mornings when i awake and climb out of bed to ready myself to face the crisp air and still-twinkling stars (or clouds if the weather's mood is such) en route to the quiet studio where i will move through my routine of opening the building, flicking on lights (and soon the heat), and illuminating candles – all before chanting and saying a more thorough 'hello' to my body, and spirit, by breathing and commencing my practice. many of my ashtanga friends and family know this ritual all too well, and it strikes me that it happens daily, around the globe, in more corners than we know, this 'waking up' to all that the day has to offer – and to ourselves.
it's inevitable as we embark upon our fall journey that the warm pull of bed begins to convince us to linger just a little longer – or even through our practice. and i would be the last person to say that it's easy to get up when it seems like everyone else is enjoying such a delightful embrace – or discredit the seasonal need for more sleep in this transitional time – but i would be the first to acknowledge that most of the struggle is harbored in my mind. i've come to know that it's a loving thing to give myself both practice and rest, but the trick is being able to decipher the difference between the whisperings of my mind and those of my heart. so each morning that i choose to part ways with my pillow and position my self upon my mat, resistance and all, is a choice to let go of the struggle, even just a little bit, and take a small step closer to something else, to unknown possibilities, to befriending myself and my own truth.
from now until spring it's only going to get colder and darker – at least outside.
happy fall to all!
(photo: Copyright QT Luong, terragalleria.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment