Time is a changing
Spring-forward, fall-back...the dichotomous interlude of running-late in the springtime (because you forgot to change your car’s clock), or feeling time-abundant in autumn (a second coffee perhaps).
For me, playing the “it’s really 9:00PM” game is a joke, but mostly a sassy attitude. My husband loves burning the midnight oil. Me? Not so much. I prefer fostering wee morning hours. Hence this time of year, when I disappear to my hibernation-cave (AKA, dark, cool bedroom), followed by “it’s only 8PM”, my reply – “but it’s really 9:00PM”...I play this game well into December 😛
I’ve recognized it doesn't serve me to create an overachieving relationship with life, work, and the clock. In Ayurvedic medicine (India’s 5,000 year old holistic methodology), it’s believed optimal health and wellness can only be attained when there’s a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Chronobiology research shows physical, mental, and emotional health are all directly affected by our natural circadian rhythms. Who can’t remember a time when overtiredness led to: poor cognition, crying, arguing, or highly refined carb-indulgences?
Manufacturing a second day within 24 hours seems the norm; computers, phones, lights, and buzzing over-scheduled society make it possible, and somewhat expected. As sun-filled days cease, and robust green-leafed hostas surrender to a dull yellow wilt, I’m reminded; my gardens are a microcosm of the macrocosm. In addition to relationships with the land, environment, and foods I consume, how I participate in commerce, professional-life, and human-relationships requires alignment.
Feeling pressure to extend yourself beyond seasonal boundaries is common. Respecting the landscape of your soul, and nurturing circadian rhythms requires attuned practice; where was that class in college? A few inquiries during darkened months may help:
Do I have the energy to add _____ to my schedule?
Is this a “should do” or HELL yes?
Am I saying yes to manage other people’s feelings?
Is this something that’ll deplete me, or fill me?
If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?
Without dormancy there is no rebirth. To be of service, we must replenish. I invite you to tune-in, turn-off, mirror nature, set your clocks, but most importantly, set your intentions.
