Remember to Rest

April 11, 2020/Jennie Williford CIYT
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As we roll toward another week of safe-at-home, I know that I have rounded a corner and am feeling some exhaustion both mentally and physically. We have put in a lot of work on home projects, and getting classes online means I have been teaching and planning quite a bit. Josh works in the medical field (non-emergent at the moment) and there is the constant question of what will be happening week by week.

Many of you perfectly decided to take advantage of the current “unlimited class” option for online classes. This is such an amazing opportunity that Pam has given us to be able to offer classes to you during this time and so regularly. However, you have to remember that each class taught may not be exactly what YOU need that day. It is a great learning opportunity and a great time to have community and guidance, but a daily class can also have some exhausting effects.

Still going through the menstrual cycle, I am reminded at least once per month to slow down and be more reflective and sensitive to myself and my actions. However, there are a lot of yoga practitioners who are male and have never cycled, or women now of a certain age who may not be cycling. It can be difficult to step back from a more energizing practice when the opportunity is always there, we might want to continue to “push push push” or “do do do”. But, each and every one of us must remember to rest.

Here are some tips to help take care of yourself with practice during this time of Covid.

  • If taking classes each day, try to allow for yourself a slightly longer time for Savasana. Classes are now 75min instead of 90 min, so if not provided, a 10-15min time to fully relax and rejuvenate no matter what asana work has been done can go a long way to keep you fresh.
  • Even if you are not menstruating, as teachers we always plan for that possibility and have restorative alternatives for students if and when that may be needed. Don’t be shy about listening to your own body and mind and partaking in that option if you feel you need it. Especially when we are online and you are in your own space for practice.
  • On “off” days that you are not in a class, or you are actually menstruating, make sure to have a restorative sequence available to practice for yourself! We all could use this more regularly during this time and The Yoga Place teachers can direct you to finding a sequence that will be best for you and your needs.
  • Give yourself permission to BE STILL ! If you get bored or feel the urge to be busy or productive, know that is your mind just trying to fill space. So, see if you can just be in that open space without “doing”.

In the end, a little rest goes a long way. I now relish the time of the month my period rolls around. For someone like me that always does have a project in the works, it is a gift to remember to rest.

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Jennie Williford CIYT

Jennie Williford (CIYT Level 3) is a transplant to LaCrosse via Montana, Illinois, and originally Texas. Throughout her life moves and 5 trips to India, Jennie has acquired a well-rounded and multi-faceted approach to Iyengar Yoga since her start in 1998. Jennie loves the experimental and explorative nature of yoga in accessing deeper knowledge of the Self on every level. The practice of yoga can be intense and introspective, however as practitioners we can be light-hearted and open-minded in our discipline. Jennie is intrigued by the philosophy of yoga and hopes to share this depth of subject while teaching the physical and mental benefits that come from the practice of posture.