Silent Living

I think it's a pretty safe bet to be able to say, that so far, 2020 is not at all how we expected it to be. 

As humans we have spent decades attempting to master the universe, and in a matter of months the universe has mercilessly mastered us. Stopping everything in its tracks, forcing the whole world to turn inward. Reminding us of our guest status on this planet, of which we have taken advantage. 

Identities once cloaked in careers, salaries, distractions, anything and everything to instantaneously make us feel relevant, important, accepted. 

What's it all worth now? The air, earth, water and sky are the only things irreplaceable here. 

So, what now? This is time for positive change, time to evolve.

A powerful way to use this time is to analyse our past habits, routines, commitments and relationships, and sift through what was and wasn't serving us. Be honest here. It isn't easy. But would you rather come out of this time, knowing yourself better, making better decisions, living better? 

This is our chance. To edit our lives for our physical and mental health, our children, our future, our planet. 

Here are a few really simple ways in which I've been attempting to re-construct past routines and set new ones;

• More mindful morning routine; I know that this can often be made to sound as though it's so easy to just spring out of bed and drink all the water, meditate, and have an incredible epiphany before 8am. But start small. I've personally found making sure I'm up at the same time everyday and have that routine helps. Even if I'm only making a cup of tea, and getting back into bed with it to read, I'm up, I'm properly awake because I've gotten up and moved, I've done something, whilst still enjoying the time and space to go slow easing me into the day. 
• Making exercise a priority; I don't always exercise first thing, but I do usually do it mid morning, or before lunch at least, as I know I have a tendency to let this slide the later I leave it. But I find not holding myself into a really strict routine of practising straight away works better for me, as I can flow and unfold with the day, and I usually feel less pressure to get off my mat and get on with things if I've done a few chores first. Also, turns out that your Dosha (Ayurvedic Body Type) can dictate when in the day exercising will suit you better and feel better for you. Another reason I stopped forcing myself to practise at 6:30am when it didn't feel so great. But more on Dosha's later. 
• Connecting with others and prioritising relationships; I have had more experiences of people reaching out, and checking in on those around them more than ever in this past few weeks, and I think it's incredible. In a world of 'too busy' this is a perfect time to catch up, share, hold space, listen and support your loved ones, old and new, regardless of timezone! Plus, other yoga teachers out there, I love what I do, but I've been really appreciating being home on an evening for a home cooked meal with my partner these past few weeks. I'm sure he's appreciating me actually making the odd meal myself too. (Ian, if you're reading this, me making dinner more than once a week is progress, I'm telling you.)
• Less phone time, replacing it with reading; Morning and evenings in particular are times when I try to be really mindful about this, as I know it impacts my day and sleep if I begin and end with scrolling. But I'm also finding it much easier to separate myself from my phone as well, and I think it's because I'm using it more to call/facetime people, so that endless scrolling to fill in time isn't happening. 
• Evening gratitude list; Three things. Start small. Maybe you had the time to make your favourite breakfast, maybe you had the time to get on your mat, FaceTime that friend who lives 5000 miles away, enjoyed a walk even though you didn't feel like it at first, finished your book, started a new one, took out the recycling, it could be anything. Three positive things from your day no matter how silly they seem write them down, and before you know it, you won't be able to stop at three.

So there are a few things I'm considering in this time, and space. However please know, that if you're really struggling to find motivation, and build positive habits, then that's ok too. You don't need to come out of this with 10 brand new talents and passions. Being positive doesn't mean that you're happy all of the time, it means that even on the harder days, you know there are better ones ahead. 

Let's keep looking ahead guys. 

I'd love to know what you're doing whilst staying at home, or any content you would like to see on here to help at this time, yoga, recipes, anything you'd like to see more of let me know.

Stay home, stay safe, and as always, thank you for reading. xo