As we move further into our active spring and summer seasons, I’d like to share with you a theme I used in my yoga classes recently. We spend much of our daily life engaging with people, projects, and responsibilities. And everywhere that we scatter our attention, we also scatter our energy. As I’m always saying, energy flows wherever we place our attention, right? If you feel like you’re tackling 10,000 things, you are spreading your energy far and wide, and it is no surprise that you’re also tired and overwhelmed.
I am quite aware of this myself, as I continue to teach a dozen classes each week, see clients, and teach workshops–spreading my attention and energy among at least 200 people every week. I’m also quite aware of the need to “come home” to my body on a regular basis. In Sanskrit and yogic terms, this is called pratyahara or “withdrawal of the senses.” We take a few moments to filter out external awareness (sounds, people, to do lists, etc.), and tune in to our inner awareness.
Take a moment now to just close your eyes and dive into the inner landscape of your body, leaving the outer world somewhere off in the distance. Observe how your body is feeling right now. Observe your breath. Observe your thoughts. No judgments. Just live inside your body.
After a few breaths or a minute or two, open your eyes and notice how you feel–perhaps more grounded, centered, calm. I especially like to do this practice outdoors, where I not only feel nourished by turning my attention inward, but I am also energized by the sunshine, the trees, and the fresh air.
When you call back all your attention and all your energy, you come back home to your peaceful center, and you also feel more empowered to get back to those 10,000 things. Stop and refuel as often as needed, before your tank runs out.
You have everything you need. You are already home. Look within.
