Sometimes, I have such a hard time taking down days. I have so much that I want to accomplish and learn. If I’m not being active then I feel compelled to be learning something or working towards a goal.
But we often forget how important and necessary rest is to reaching our goals too – to being our best selves and to actually achieving more.
If you do a hard workout, your body needs to recover. If you’ve been studying, reflecting, or learning a new skill, then your mind needs time to recover. If you’ve been following your heart and doing things that your soul thrives on, your soul also needs down time to let all the beauty and lessons you’ve been learning sink in.
Slowing down does not mean you are lazy or regressing. Slowing down moves you forward faster. Slowing down allows your mind, body, and soul to recover so that you can be more active, insightful, creative, and live your purpose.
It was when I decided to take the rainy day for relaxation, to stay nestled in my van and just be – that I ended up having a beautiful break through.
I did my morning breath practice, meditation, mobility and a couple strength exercises. I was tired and just wanted to relax. I struggled with the thought of being lazy but decided down time was what I needed.
And by giving myself the complete freedom to lay in bed in my pjs for as long as I felt like it, I ended up reflecting on some really challenging past trauma. I cried. I worked through the pieces. And then felt calm. Light. Freer. But I didn’t push myself to do the important work that was necessary for my growth. I let myself be. I took off the pressure. And through relaxation and connectedness, I was better able to reflect on my feelings and work through them with self love and compassion.
So let yourself be. Don’t forget the power in serenity. The power of peacefulness and down regulation of our nervous system. We are complex beautiful beings that need both intensity and calmness.
Are you someone that is constantly pushing yourself? Even if you may feel like you’re not doing enough?
Slow down.
Breathe.
You will go much further when you go forward feeling energized, compassionate and loving towards yourself.
After some much needed down time, I was eager for movement and was craving fresh air. I stepped outside of the van; the rain was beautiful. It created a mist along the coast.
I could feel I was holding onto energy that wasn’t serving me. I went through a lot of past difficulties and beliefs today. I needed to let go and rejevinate my energy; my soul.
I was pulled to sand river trail. I had an hour until sunset so I figured I’d hike until it got dark.
I felt like the trees pulled me inward into the forest and wrapped me with love. I made the intention to let go of the energy that wasn’t serving me. And breathe in new vibrant energy from the forest. My energy brightened as I continued along the trail, amazed by the waterfalls and rapids.
I felt like the rain was literally washing away my pain. Leaving me filled with joy and gratitude.
I had thought I might hike this trail in the morning before the rain, but that’s not what my soul needed. And it was incredibly beautiful to be out in the rain and snow. To be playful and follow my heart.
Something I am really proud of this trip is how I’ve learned to connection to my intuition. I haven’t planned a single thing. And the moment I catch myself planning, I let the thoughts go and tell myself I will figure that out when I get there.
I ask myself what do I want to do? What would feel good? What does my body, mind and soul need? I trust what comes to mind and go with it.
Try asking yourself these questions. Get in tune with what your soul wants and needs – and you will create your life with purpose and meaning.
This whole journey I have been pulled to many beautiful places. Being pulled is much different than pushing yourself onward. Being pulled is much more effortless and joyful. Being pulled is being in alignment with your soul.
I do find it harder to tap into my intuition when there is a never ending list of ‘to dos’.
But being out in this incredibly beautiful and remote environment, its felt fairly easy to listen to the voice of my heart.
Go to places that bring you joy. And practice connecting with your intuition. That way it becomes part of your life. And you will continue to live in alignment with your soul, with your purpose.
Peace and Love,
Kirsten
Comments