Not going to lie– things haven’t been perfect lately. I injured my lower back a couple weeks ago and the pain was debilitating. (Grateful for the massage + bodywork I had done.) I’ve been feeling pretty down. My diet has been less than perfect. A loved one has a potential health problem and I’m unsure of how to help
I haven’t been feeling aligned. In fact, I’ve been feeling totally misaligned. I’ve found myself questioning the intelligence of the universe. I’ve been worrying about the future. I’ve been feeling low, tired, and defeated. And that’s because I’m human.
On the first of the month I wrote out my November Intentions. Honestly, that’s not really a monthly ritual for me. I never seem to stick to writing intention lists, or mantras, or gratitude journaling, or daily meditation…. again, I’m human. It’s hard to juggle everything, especially all the trendy “wellness” and “self-care” rituals floating around these days.
My point is, it made me think. No matter what we see on TV, the internet, social media, etc., no one’s life is exactly how it seems. We don’t see the other 99% of their life. What we see are the moments in between. No human being on this planet is even close perfect.
But the imperfections and the shitty days are what make our stories relatable and worth sharing. Who wants to stand around and hear about how perfect someone’s life is anyway?
To be honest, I’d rather hear someone talk about their deepest insecurities and issues, offer input, and try to conjure up a way I can be of service to them. Even if that just means listening to their story. Granted, I was deemed the “therapist” in my group of friends and was studying psychology in college. So helping people work through their problems is kind of one of my areas of interest.
Highs // Lows
I don’t consider myself a balanced person. In fact, I’m a very extreme person. I’ve battled eating disorders and struggled with alcohol abuse. I was so depressed in high school I thought about dropping out (thankfully that never happened).
Even a few years out of high school, all I wanted to do was party. My body and brain were deteriorating and I was letting it happen. Hell, I was CAUSING it. I had no regard for my own life, let alone my health.
Although, to this day, I still love my friends from that period of my life, I eventually had to cut ties with almost all of them. I knew something had to change. I consider myself lucky for experiencing all of this at a young age. Now I am past it and as a result it has strengthened my character and put me in a good position to help others with similar struggles.
All of this to say, my frame of mind is extreme. Naturally, I’m an “all or nothing” type of person. I’m meticulous, organized, and diligent to the point that I overwhelm myself (AKA Virgo Sun). I’m extremely emotional, in a practical way, if that makes any sense. (AKA Gemini Moon). I’m the most loyal friend you’ll ever have. But I’m also a flake (socially).
So you see, all these traits contradict one another. They often cancel each other out and I end up with nothing but an anxiety attack and I have to lay down on the couch for a minute. It takes so much work for me to maintain balance. Some days I nail it, most days I don’t.
Healing Rituals
I’m telling you all of this because I want you to know that even if you feel like you’re totally out of alignment with your path, you’re not. I want you to know that physical and mental balance is not an easy task for anyone to achieve.
That’s why I’m here posting about it, hopefully making the journey a little smoother for some. These are some of the things I find help me reset and rebalance when I’m just feeling totally out of alignment.
Rest Days
One of my written intentions this morning was, “Understand that days off are OK. Take them. :)”
I actually surprised myself when I wrote this. It just didn’t seem like something I would think of. (HA, serious type A over here). But it is the truth. I always say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s just not possible!
And when I say “days off” I don’t just mean playing hooky from work, the gym, or school (okay, those are all part of it, too). I mean taking a day off from everything. Like, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
We as human beings cannot be on go-mode 24/7. And if we attempt to be, we will burn out. It’s as simple as that. We’re not robots. Hell, even robots have flaws. I mean, does Alexa understand every single you say? Exactly.
Without rest, there can be no progress.
Yoga
My yoga practice this morning was more active and fluid than it’s been in several weeks, and it literally had me in tears. Legitimately sobbing in child’s pose. And it felt so good! It was exactly what I needed, truthfully. You have to LET GO of what is no longer serving you.
I posted about my experience today on Instagram because I find it so interesting and want to know if other people experience these energetic shifts, too. If they experience the deep desire for release, even if they don’t know they need it until they feel it.
Yoga, for me, is like brushing my teeth. Imagine going weeks without brushing your teeth! But my practice changes daily according to what I need. It’s important to do what our body is asking of us, rather than what our egos or what others are asking of us.
Baths
Another ritual I’ve recently starting incorporating is epsom salt baths in the evening. Quite honestly I was never a bath kind of girl. I didn’t understand people who took baths. We have a really nice bathtub in our house and I always wished I could donate it to someone who loves baths! hahaha.
But seriously, epsom salt soaks have saved my body, mind, and soul over the past couple of weeks. They’re so healing and soothing. And I swear they gave me my mobility back (in conjunction with the amazing massage/bodywork I got).
Baths also allow you to incorporate some “me time” which can really help to reduce tension and cortisol you might be holding on to from your day. I draw a nice, warm bath with epsom salts and essential oils, light a shitload of candles, burn some incense, put on my favorite podcast and just soak.
Crystals
I haven’t been connecting with my gems as much as I would like to, but I find that when I do start working with them again, they bring such amazing vibrations. Particularly to my yoga practice.
Toward the end of my yoga teacher training I was SO damn nervous to teach my first class. I am a true introvert and prefer to observe from the back of the room rather than lead anything. But something was pulling me down this path, so I let it.
To this day, I swear my crystals had a huge impact on reducing my nerves when teaching my first few classes. I chose to work mostly with Lapiz Lazuli and Blue Lace Agate, two throat chakra-specific stones. I would stow them in my bra to have them as close to my body as possible. Magic.
I want to know, how do YOU guys find balance? What are your favorite rituals? Please share your thoughts with me! 🙂
2 Comments
I can relate to all you are going through a bus hit me while I was waiting for the train to pass ( I was in my car) then a car at a red light signal I can relate to Misaligned and the universe I had to have back surgery because I could no longer walk do you reside in Florida please contact me thank you
Hi Diane! I’m so sorry to hear about your situation and I empathize. The universe communicates with us in strange ways sometimes. Yes, I currently reside in South Florida. If you would like to stay in contact my email is emilygregoryoga@gmail.com. Much love!