We are living in an unprecedented time in human history. This virus has taken multiple lives, created a shortage on medical supplies, forced large scale human isolation, abruptly closed businesses, and forced many into unemployment. It has left us full of wonder, fear, grief, hopelessness, and stress; and those who have to go into work every day uncertain if/when they’ll contract this invisible killer. We are at war with something that no one alive today has ever experienced, an enemy that impacts all 7.8 billion humans on this planet.

Holy. Crap.

Just writing this puts a blanket of grief over me that shakes me to my core. Yet I cannot help but be so incredibly full of gratitude to live in a small part of the world where, when worse comes to worst, we can look to one another for support. We encourage each other and support small businesses. We give our time and money. We stand together and lift one another up. I’m not here to say this last month has been easy, but it puts some of life’s most precious gifts into perspective. And makes me pray a thousand prayers for all the healthcare workers who show true strength and courage.

While all this is going on in the world around us, we are isolated and without routine. Slower days. Less human interactions. No rush to wake up early or go to bed at a decent time. Less planning since we don’t know when plans can resume. Celebrations and trips are postponed, along with funerals for those who have passed. No hospital visits when babies are born. Marathons, competitions, concerts, and events cancelled. Yet, when we do get to connect, phone calls are longer and video chats become the new norm, book clubs and virtual workouts are an outlet for socialization and connection. Yard work, gardening, and house projects are ramping up. New recipes being baked, or old favorite recipes are making their way back into the kitchen. Hobbies are being discovered, or rediscovered. Memorable stories are being told and old photos are resurfacing. Birthdays and holidays are a bit more meaningful and deeper.

Season of Restore

I have come to discover what I need in this season of life – emotionally, physically, spiritually – is restoration. The rollercoaster of emotions that have come and gone into my anxiety-ridden mind and has depleted me beyond the point of wanting anything besides some restorative yoga. As someone who loves to sweat and has a competitive side (I guess 25 years of soccer will do that to you), it has been a struggle to accept and surrender to my body only wanting and needing to restore for a couple of weeks in a row.

I celebrated my 31st birthday during this quarantine, and part of me has joked with friends and family that the first two weeks of quarantine has aged me at least 10 years, putting my age to at least 41. And all joking aside, I woke up two days after my birthday and ached like I never have before. Immediate my mind flooded with thoughts of “is this just me getting older? Is this anxiety? Is this because of the pandemic? Am I going to hurt every morning I wake up? Why can’t I just bounce back like I used to?”. Is it just me who has these thoughts? Surely, I am not alone in these internally contemplations!

The Shift

When I finally gave my body the beautiful, restorative nourishment it so desperately needed, everything began to shift. My negative self-talk lessened, my anxiety became more controllable, my body became more mobile than it’s been in years, my relationships and conversations with loved ones have become more about quality than quantity, and I’ve found myself spending more of my free time in meditation and spaces of quietness, where my soul can truly heal, reset, and recharge. And I’m honestly way more of a joy to be around when I’m restored.

As I begin to add more physically demanding exercises back into my routine, my mind and body are so grateful for the grace and kindness I gave myself when I needed it the most. It has become my baseline for what’s to come and, although I wish I had the power to magically make this virus disappear, the opportunity this slowness has given me to wash my mind, body and spirit clean of exhaustion, comparison, and negativity, and restore it back to energy, love, and positivity will only give me strength and compassion as we all, as a community, continue to move forward through the unknown.

If you are seeking restorative classes be sure to check out Power Life LIVE!