FORCING VS. FLOWING

FORCING VS. FLOWING

In June 2017, I completed my Yoga 200-hour course. The previous year was a year of transition and hard work. After completing the course, I switched my focus to a series of tasks that had to be completed before I could officially launch my business. The list included starting a LLC, doing a photoshoot, creating a business website, business insurance, etc. I was serious about accomplishing all of my goals in a timely manner. All of my time and energy went to completing these tasks.

As spring quickly turned into summer I saw friends out in the sun having fun. I had friends inviting me to do things and I’d kindly decline their invitations. I accomplished tons of goals, crossing off things on my to do list each day. But I came to a point where I could no longer see the beauty in life. Attempting to enjoy the little things again I decided to get outdoors. I was surrounded by beaches, sunsets, waterfalls, nature but I still couldn’t see the awe inspired beauty. I went from wearing rose colored glasses to being surrounded by a dark haze of storm clouds.

I continued working and on weekends spending time in nature. I love hiking and decided that would be a good way to clear my head. I couldn’t just do the hike though. I had to do the longest, most extreme trail, and run of course. Well I fell and twisted my ankle. Oh, the pain. But I still pushed through and finished the hike. That’s the overachiever in me.

In “You Can Heal Your Life” by author Louise Hay she states that an ankle injury is caused by inflexibility and guilt. Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure. She offers positive affirmations for each injury the affirmation for ankles is: I deserve to rejoice in life. I accept all the pleasure life has to offer.

A month later my internet friend from Canada (also an energy healer) had a vision of me with shackles around my ankles. Thank god for internet friends, haha. I was definitely feeling restricted, stuck, and depressed. Did I shackle myself?

When I had a full-time job, I felt zero guilt taking weekends off. But when you have no office, no salary, or whatever, every day is important to build yourself up. That’s why I didn’t like taking days off. I felt guilty. I became too task oriented. I was forcing instead of flowing. If a tree is inflexible when the wind blows branches will snap. If we don’t bend we break.

A wise friend told me don’t let your dream become your nightmare. I now do things from inspiration. I give myself rest days. Some days I just feel like taking a bath, a long drive, or a glass of wine to reset and that’s okay. Despite what we have been conditioned to believe, it’s okay to relax. Destroy the idea that you have to be constantly working or grinding in order to be successful. Embrace the concept that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of the progress towards a successful and ultimately happy life.