Last week in classes, I brought up how my experience with Baxter Bell’s yoga workshop, some of which was on his main focus of Yoga for Healthy Aging, the weekend before brought up the idea and importance, again, of taking care of one’s self. You would think that is what we are always doing, but it is so easy to become distracted and begin to believe that other people’s needs are more important than our own. They are not!

For those of us who may periodically fall into the place of caring for other people more than ourselves or defining ourselves through this preoccupation, I will pose the question: Are they and you really better off when your needs are not tended to and cultivated? I truly believe that taking care of one’s self may actually be one of the most selfless acts, yes, self-less, we can do because we will be healthier and more present and available for those we love.  Whenever we feel unwell or tired or exhausted or resentful, guess who pays the price? All of us. And it actually becomes all about us eventually, if it is not already, in this scenario.

Do us all a favor, including yourself, water and nourish your own roots firs and make sure you have the support you need to take care of you. As Judith Lasater says about loving one’s self, “Love yourself first, not only, but first.”

One of the most powerful ways that I do this and some of my favorite movements is to just roll around on the floor over various yoga props or none at all. These movements remind me of all the subtle and monumental movements happening under the earth this time of year. I often find this type of practice immensely, and more, helpful for waking up the body and breath in ways and understanding what it truly going on within me and what I may be needing than a standard active and upright practice might reveal.

Practice rolling around in this way and gently unfolding and unfurling the tendrils and breath of the body this Sunday and most of all taking care of you! Please email me to sign up, and I will send you a confirmation email.