Chilly Weather Workout

Today it's barely above freezing here. So I did a quick 30 min dog walk with Hubby this morning and then 65 mins yoga asana practice before I meditated for a while. 

I've always enjoyed meditation, but after almost a year of deepening my knowledge and practice I truly feel calmer and more at ease. Not just when I meditate. I'm calmer in all my daily activities. I've noticed a mental shift even in the few months since I quit my short lived preschool teaching job - somehow putting myself and my sanity first was a huge mental shift for me. 

Women particularly mothers spend most of their adult lives putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Once the children grow up that habit is hard to break. 

But... sometimes a breaking point is what eventually makes us shed our martyrdom and begin to believe in the power of self care. 

For me there were several tipping points that have moved me closer to a self care regimen and mindset that truly calms my soul.  

1. My mother's death in 2020.

2. Pandemic life and every small revolution that entails

3. My decision to quit my preschool job after only 2 weeks officially working in that toxic environment of chronic mismanagement. 

There was a breaking point in August 2021 when I sought the care of a mental health professional. That was just before I quit my job. Once the decision was made, a weight lifted and my inner strength and resilience resurfaced. But my meditation practice is an important part of self management of my mental health. 

I'm soo much calmer on days when I meditate.