After my last newsletter, I purchased a fitbit activity monitor to see if I could measure and monitor stillness in therapy sessions. I found myself immediately drawn into the competitive nature and the 'buzz' surrounding these devices. "How many steps did I take?" " Did this accurately assess my efforts?" "How do I compare to others?" Some devices even "buzz" you if you've been inactive too long, encouraging movement.
While I recognize the benefit of activity, movement and exercise, I grew to understand an even deeper appreciation for slowing and stillness.
While in the Sleep mode, movement is monitored. I found myself eager to settle into a comfortable position in bed and then to breathe deeply into slowing and stillness. I was aware that this inactivity would register as sleep and compare it to the benefits of deep relaxation in mediation, yoga and Craniosacral Therapy. Taking time to gently slow our pace before sleep is highly beneficial for our quality of sleep.
In the extreme heat of the Arizona summer, where we've had heat advisories, I've purposely slowed my pace and allowed for extra time to keep this slower pace. I'm finding that, if I don't rush and over-heat, I don't require as much time to transition between temperatures outside and inside.
It's just another way of being gentle with ourselves.
Walking Trail in Kiental, Switzerland
Wanderweg (encourages a gentle pace)
I'm thrilled to be returning to The
Kientalerhof Center for Wellbeing to assist another course with
Michael Shea 4-7 September. I can't wait to feel the gentle summer breezes in the Swiss Alps!
*Please note that I will be out of the office 27 August-11 September.
Allow yourself to be grounded, present,
centered and calm.
Sari
