Life has a funny way of stopping you in your tracks, especially when you least expect it!
Almost a month ago, I was my usual self: the health-conscious yoga teacher, always on the go, teaching, practicing, working, and filling my days with everything I love. And then suddenly the doctors tell me, “We need you to slow down, rest, and give your body time to heal. No yoga, no teaching, no major physical activity for at least a few weeks, possibly longer. Your only job right now is to rest and recover.”
Whaaaat?? Are you kidding me? What am I supposed to do with myself?
Well, here I am, a few weeks later, discovering that there is actually so much to enjoy when life forces you to slow down.
First, the incredible community around me. My patient and loving husband, my boys, cousins who show up with food, friends who bring flowers, books, laughter, and endless conversations. Almost every day someone comes by, sometimes even with their pets! I keep telling everyone, “People, I am not THAT sick!” But the love and food keep coming, and I am certainly not complaining.
Then there are the unexpected acts of kindness. From the lovely woman at the neighborhood salon who insisted on washing my hair as an act of kindness, to handwritten cards, messages, and flowers that continue to arrive. It has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way.
The highlight of my day is my super slow walk with my husband. I think he has been waiting 25 years for me to slow down enough to notice the colors in the sky, the birds, the trees, and all the little creatures around us. He patiently walks at my snail’s pace, pointing out things I would normally rush right past. I love him so much.
And then there is my yoga practice. Just when my asana practice came to an abrupt halt, my pranayama teacher stepped in to remind me that yoga has so much more to offer. Perfect time for pranayama, meditation, and all those yoga philosophy books I have been wanting to read! My wonderful teachers’ practice group had their own solution. Can’t do asana? No problem! You can still think, write sequences, and move whatever parts of your body still move! LOL! I love their energy and how they continue to hold space for me.
But perhaps the biggest surprise has been enjoying the quiet and my own company. Starting my day with chanting, sitting in the backyard watching the hummingbirds, enjoying the sunshine, and appreciating the peace of our home. There is something so beautiful about having nowhere to rush and nothing that absolutely needs to get done.
I am still recovering and still discovering. I did not know I actually had patience, and I am beginning to understand that healing is not just about resting the body. It is also about allowing ourselves to receive love, kindness, friendship, and simply being present.
The world around me continues to move at its usual fast pace, and for once, I am quite happy watching it from the slow lane.
Of course, I fully intend to return to my crazy, energetic, fun-loving self very soon! But hopefully with a little more mindfulness, a little more human connection, and a lot more appreciation for the small things.
Who knew that slowing down could make life feel so full? ❤️
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