Falling Off and Getting Back on the Path
What is it about "falling off", falling off the structure that has been keeping us feeling good, organized, mentally calm and physically strong. All I know is that once we fall off-Damn is it hard to get back on. Do you know this experience? Of course you do- everyone does.
I am a seriously structured person in my schedule and rhythms of my day. Sometimes to my fault. A few weeks ago when my teenage son and I were both leaving the house at the same time; him to go to school and me to walk the dog, I said, "do you want to walk together?" He said "okay"- so a yes from a 16 year old boy to walk together. If you don't know- this doesn't happen too often! But then, I commented, "oh well I have a route I take Lexi, so maybe....". It was then I realized I was structured to my own impairment. I quickly realized it and course corrected. I followed my son, on his route, we walked together and it made my day.
Today is a good day, because today after having fallen off my structure due to illness, that lasted awhile I made the plan to start back at yoga. I went to my 6:30 class this morning and it felt so good (even though it was hard), even now 8 hours later. Why? Because I broke the spell. And this after about 1 month, where after being ill, and recovering I still wasn't able to "get back at it". Because it is not just a matter of beginning again. When we get pulled off our structure, other things fall to the wayside and so there can be a lot of catch up to do that maybe we prioritize over some of the wellness pieces of our structure. That was the case for me. Before I started to get up early again, do my morning stretches, and meditate I had to take care of the immediate demands; finishing my grading for the class I teach at Lesley, completing my taxes, catching up with end of year events for my kids. All this kept me up later at night- catching up, and so sleeping in was what was required on the other side.
We all fall off, and we all can slowly, step by step get back on our own path. You don't have to do it all at once. Choose one thing to add back in. Maybe it is setting the alarm early one day a week as opposed to every day, for that early morning time you need before the rush of the day. Maybe it is cooking one healthy dinner and enjoying it, Healthy eating will fall back into place if that is part of your regular habit, or maybe it is carving out some weekend time to give yourself a break.
However you find your way back to your own structure, remember it requires NOT BEING HARD ON YOURSELF. Beating yourself up when you are down does not make sense, does it? When we are down; whether it be illness, our mood, a family crisis we need to actually be KINDER TO OURSELVES. Wouldn't that be the case if it were your dear friend? Wouldn't you offer them support and compassion if they were having a hard time? Of course you would. Try practicing this on yourself. Ask, would I talk to _________ like this? Then send yourself the same loving kindness you would your loved one. Feeling good about yourself is definitely a quicker route to getting back on your path then feeling bad about yourself.