The world we live in can be extremely loud, chaotic and it continues to run at a rapid pace that’s impossible to keep up with. We may find ourselves constantly striving to keep up, or working our fingers to the bone with no time for respite. This world doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. To obtain rest and respite, one must be incredibly intentional.
A Cue from Culture:
Japanese culture works the longest hours of the day with the least amount of sleep than any other culture. Because of the wide spread work-related deaths byway of stroke, heartattack and suicide, there are two terms used – Karoshi meaning ‘over-work death’; and Karojisatsu; ‘suicide from overworking and stress’.
A stark contrast from an overworked and stressed society are European countries who work less hours, spend more time with family, and spend time cultivating spiritual life, all while including physical movement and more resting hours.
Made for Rest:
We were created to work and rest. Sadly, we have moved away from the importance of rest. Sure, we desire it, but we are so busy striving and gathering that we are unable to find true rest for our soul.
When our mind and body hold tension, anxiety, or trauma in addition to the pace of our society, this causes extreme difficulty and is often impossible to cope or regulate. Dysregulation wreaks havoc within our mind and body. We can become isolated, which leads to depression, hopelessness, anger, bitterness or suicidal thoughts. Our body reacts to stress, chronic anxiety, or trauma in a multitude of ways through ailments and disease. It’s critical to return to rest and heal the mind and body.
Tools to Cope:
If you need tools to cope, help in regulating emotions and getting the body back to help, yoga can quite literally change your life. Because meditation is a part of yoga, this powerful ancient practice will change your life. Yoga is set apart from any other physical practice because it incorporates one spirit. Yoga includes the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga may be thought of as just postures in our western culture. However, yoga is a systemization that includes several techniques. Within these techniques includes breathwork, meditation, how we relate to the internal and external world, a withdrawal from the world, and of course the physical postures.
Practicing yoga and embodying the integration of the elements will help you in achieving a sound body, mind and spirit. This practice will begin the process of healing in the body as meditation will heal the mind, relieving it from stress and anxiety.
Start today by simply withdrawing from the world, spend a few moments taking the deepest breaths you have in a long time. Take a few more moments and ‘just be.’ Think of those things that are good and lovely.
About the author:
Michelle Thielen is a keynote speaker, author of Stretching Your Faith and Exit Wilderness. She is a certified yoga therapist, founder of YogaFaith and teaching somatic movement through dance and yoga for more than 25 years. Michelle travels the globe to aid young, trafficked survivors through practices of yoga, dance, and somatics. She is passionate about helping people all over the world to live a life of purpose.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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