Out of the rut

In any given day, I have choices. From what time to get out of bed, to what I eat, how I move, how I respond to outside interaction (or even internal stimuli, i.e. energy level, emotions, thoughts)choice influences my day. But how conscious are these choices? How often have I felt that outside forces dictate my day? If you are like me...too often!

Its easy to get in a routine for my day that actually acts to limit rather free. Let me explain. I like routine. I feel better knowing what's coming, being able to prepare. Surprises tend to cause stress, as they can distract or disrupt a regular flow. But when was the last time your day went exactly how you planned?

My point is this, flexibility allows freedom. Creativity does not fit in neat little boxes that we pull out one at a time. People don't always act in accordance with our vision. But a flexible attitude allows me to respond, much like a shock absorber, and roll on through my day.

A few months ago, I began some lifestyle changes. I could see how stuck I had become. Physically I was overweight, out of balance, and my body hurt. I began stretching. Every morning I practiced (still do!)yoga for about an hour. On days off from work I stretch this into two hours. Within one week I noticed less pain in my body. But the interesting thing is, I noticed more flexibility and freedom mentally, emotionally, and creatively!

This concept is not new to me. My background includes doing massage for 15+ years, and a Masters degree in counseling. I, of all people, know firsthand the body-mind connection. One feeds the other in a constant feedback loop.

So how did I get in the rut? Easy! I slowly, unconsciously began to let my day be guided by work, relationships, demands on my time. Over time the effect is not only subtle, it is dangerous. To regain balance, I had to see the imbalance, then act to correct it.

My question to you is this, in what ways do you feel stuck, out of balance? What single action can you take today to create some flexibility?

A one, a two, a one, two, three...

My husband and I took a long walk one evening this summer. We walked along the boardwalk toward the pier. As we neared the pier we heard drumming...several people were sitting in the stands at the pier playing a variety of drums. They all played together in a rhythm that would change as one person would venture into a new beat. As this new rhythm became the beat to follow, the others would synchronize their playing to match the new lead. The beat would strengthen once again as all played together. People stood in front watching, dancing, feeling the rhythm in their own body, clapping with excitement and pure joy!

Life is like this...we follow a rhythm either internally or externally, or both. We may lose our rhythm and have to listen to regain the tempo. We may find that the rhythm we have followed has lost its energy, or slowed to a barely palpable pulse. We may be one of those people whose energy beats so strongly others naturally pick it up and follow along.

What do you do when you find you're out of sync? How do you re-establish a rhythm, or better yet, recreate one to better fit your life now?

In June this year, I looked in the mirror, really looked at myself. Somewhere along the road of raising children, finishing grad school, pouring myself into a challenging job, I had lost touch. And who I saw looking back at me in the mirror was an almost 50-year-old woman who was tired, out of shape, and lost.

I began a journey June 22nd to create a rhythm for my life that included movement and balance and health. I didn't expect to return to the rhythm of my twenties of triathlons and 10Ks. Though having that background made me keenly aware of my current state. No, I longed to sleep soundly through the night, to awake refreshed and energetic, to move through my day with ease and power.

I started where I was and created a plan I could sustain without much change to my current schedule. I established goals for weight loss, daily movement and exercise, commitment to a healthier diet, and working towards work/life balance.

I am pleased to report four months later, I have maintained this plan, lost 27 pounds and two dress sizes. I have consistently practiced yoga most mornings, returning my flexibility and range of motion. I am sleeping better, eating a more healthy diet, laughing more. Work/life balance is still skewed towards the work end, but I continue to make efforts to balance this out.

I decided to write my journey. To share with those who might relate. I will be posting progress, thoughts, and the reality of finding my rhythm again. I welcome your questions and look forward to your feedback.