Is it time to slow down?

Is it time to slow down?

I asked myself this question during my Saturday morning walk.  

I could feel my mind was actively thinking about the recap of the week.

With several in person meetings, networking events, perspectives for new collaborations, and ideas for new projects, there was a lot on my mind.  

When I came home, my yoga mat was waiting for me.  

I noticed the resistance.

It would have been much easier to continue to be in “doing mode” because my mind was already there.  

However, I knew exactly what my body needed.  

I cautiously tip-toed onto my yoga mat, lied down, and started to pay attention to my breath.  

I was aware of that gentle transition of attention from the thoughts into the breath, from the breath into the body.  

Twelve minutes later, I was feeling better, more rested, more awake, and more present.

This is what the morning’s practice was about:

-       Recognizing when you are going too fast

-       Paying attention to mental energy levels

-       Noticing that extra daytime recovery was needed

-       And knowing which practices to use to rebalance

Once your attention is back in the present moment, it is easier to pay attention to what is right in front of you.

I’m curious, which are your go-to practices for daytime recovery?  

Photo: one of my favorite trees at Tuileries Garden in Paris