Taking a break sounds so simple and maybe even easy. I can pretty easily sit down and drink some water and flip around TV stations when I’m in the middle of housework. But taking a break from the bigger things like daily routines and habits takes more grit and a little wrestling with guilt and fear.
Some breaks are taken consciously with thought and purpose behind them.
Some breaks are unconscious and we abide in the space of the break until we realize that we left something or someone that maybe we didn’t intend to leave.
Summer is the time where most of us make conscious breaks - we take planned vacations. We switch our focus from one hobby to another to take advantage of the warm weather. We may even have jobs with seasonal lulls that bring a built in break.
Unconscious breaks are happening all the time…slip ups in our intentions to eat well, take good care of ourselves and challenge ourselves. The realization that we have broken away from what serves us becomes a new break…an opportunity to recalibrate our direction, rededicate time to our own wellbeing and recommit to being present in our day to day living.
I’m taking a break this week to finally get out of town to go to a Foo Fighter’s show out of state. In the planning of this break came the realization that I haven’t left Guilford county since February 2020 when I went to Chapel Hill for the weekend. I haven’t left North Carolina since October 2019. I haven’t been in the same room with my best friend since then. Jon and I haven’t had a vacation since September 2019. This sounds like good reason to take a break. And we are. After much waiting and anticipation, we are finally getting back on what we call the Cheap Seats Tour - going to live rock shows on the cheap. But even with good reason, taking this break comes with guilt and fear. “Maybe I shouldn’t…”. “What if this? And What if that?”
Why is it so difficult to allow ourselves a break? Why is it so difficult for us to tell ourselves AND believe that we deserve a break?
It struck me this morning that guilt and fear are habits of limiting self worth. I think it was baked into me with my upbringing that my value is in what I am doing for others and not so much in what I am doing for myself. Anyone here familiar with that?
I know from my years as a yoga student, that to develop new neurological tracks you have to repeat new ways consistently. Taking the first step is the most challenging, but if we can, it makes it a little easier and easier to foster that new track. Neuroplasticity is the term for this way we reorganize and grow in our thinking.
We all deserve a break. This week, let’s think about how we can initiate change through taking a break from the things that need to be refreshed, reorganized, rethought or maybe replaced.
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Even though I am taking a break from teaching for most of this week, that doesn't leave you without yoga. There is a huge library of classes in the On Demand section of my website. I hope you will explore the new channel groupings:
Led Sustainable Ashtanga
Low Impact - Yin, Deep Stretch and Gentle Soothing Yoga Classes
Mixed Levels - Slow Flow, All Levels Flow and Yin & Flow Classes
Intermediate/Advanced Levels - Monday and Friday Flow Classes
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August is NEXT WEEK! Two new classes are available In Person on Tuesdays - Yoga Refresh at Noon and Yin & Flow is moving to Tuesdays at 6 pm. Please book your spot, spaces are limited.
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Note about booking classes and purchasing passes:
Since I am delivering yoga in different channels and I am in the process of building those channels, I have to break out the passes into supporting these channels to determine and balance supply & demand. Because of supply & demand, the August Live Stream schedule will be shifting. More on that next Sunday.
IN PERSON CLASSES
When booking classes, go to Book Online and if you are interested in attending all 4 August classes of let's say Intermediate Flow, you will book the first class in August (choose All August). That will prompt you to purchase the 4 class series pass and you will be booked for attending all 4 classes with that one booking. If your schedule doesn't allow you to attend all four, you can book the class on individual dates that suite your schedule. You will then be prompted to pay drop in rates for each of the classes you book. Purchasing all 4 classes saves you $12.
LIVE STREAM CLASSES
When booking Live Stream classes, you will need a Live Stream Pass - you can drop in for one, you can purchase 3 or 5 Live Stream Classes - must be used in 30 days. 3 & 5 Live Stream Class Passes are only for Live Streaming.
COMBO - LIVE STREAM AND ON DEMAND CLASSES
The 10 class pass gives you 10 Live Stream bookings in 30 days PLUS access to ON DEMAND classes in that same 30 days. This is the pass for those who practice consistently multiple times a week - mostly attending live stream classes and supplementing with On Demand classes. This is your best value.
ON DEMAND CLASS ACCESS
You can drop in for on the spot On Demand class access. Or you can purchase an unlimited week of On Demand or an unlimited Month. This pass is greater those who practice exclusively online.
OUT OF TOWN STUDENTS & VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE
Live Stream and On Demand have been your connection to my classes during this past year and months. I don't want you to miss out on the In Person class offerings. If you want to attend the In Person classes, I am offering Zoom access. If you purchase the 4 classes or are dropping in, you can receive a zoom link to attend the In Person classes virtually. The same applies to local students who may have a conflict that prevents them from coming to the Cultural Center. Just send me a note and I will send you a zoom link. You must advise be of your virtual intentions at least 2 hours prior to class to ensure I have the right equipment with me to connect you.
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So the mantra this week is, "I deserve to take a break!"
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I'll see you on the other side of my break if not in classes on Monday!
Peace, Love and Summer's Fire!
Andrea
Below are the reminders of what is going on and coming up!
