Wow. This. Podcast.
I had a dear friend reach out to me to check in, and she provided me with some resources for self-help/healing, and this was one of the podcasts she suggested. I scrolled down a bit and selected this episode, just based on my interest in the title, and WOW, did I ever pick an episode to start with. I couldn’t believe how much this episode was meant for me and how much I related. I almost felt that I was guided to this particular episode of this particular podcast for a reason. And even though Rachel didn’t necessarily share anything I didn’t already know, sometimes you just need to hear someone who is going through similar circumstances. It made me really want to go back and start from the beginning to learn more about her decision-making process and what lead her to this dark place. And even though I caught her in one of the lowest seasons of her life, I was inspired that I could still see hope for her while I was listening. I kept imaging how her future might blossom from this, picturing various scenarios for her, even though I knew literally nothing about what lead her to this place. It was inspiring for me that I was able to take a step outside of her world and look through her current situation to see a light that she otherwise couldn’t. Sometimes, we just become so blinded in the darkness that it may take outside help to give us hope for a brighter future.
She goes on to explain how her tips can be applied to everyone during this pandemic, no matter what you might be going through. Beyond journaling, researching, and talking with friends, she shared a bit of information regarding her methods for how to approach physical movement that I really appreciated and wanted to share. This one has been tough for me, because I am definitely someone who struggles to be physical during low periods. I tend to prefer to sleep through my feelings, and it’s not always something everyone understands. She takes a moment to explain that if she had to describe her current aurora, it would be “grey and barely glowing”, which is quite often how I feel when I am stuck in a dark period. During this pandemic, I have even gotten to a place where the thought of walking back into a gym is completely overwhelming for me. The thought of needing to complete a workout checklist of what items I need to get through feels incredibly daunting.
Instead, one thing you can try is just listening to your body. If you are going through a hard season and as Lauren describes, “feeling weary in spirit”, you need to ask yourself, “What do you feel like doing today?” Whether that is putting on music and dancing around, or just stretching, or going for a walk, listen to your body and what it needs. Don’t try to break any records or focus on building muscle or burning fat, just get up and try to move. Move in a way that honors your body and where you are now. You want to end feeling like you just took care of yourself. Ask yourself what your body needs, not what standard you need to meet today.
I have had people tell me to treat exercise like a task, something you have to just get up and do. This may very well work for some, but it is not a one-size fits all solution. The relationship between our emotions, our spirit, and our physical bodies is unique and no one can understand what you need better than you.
Find what motivates you, whether that’s a shower or listening to certain music or making your morning coffee. Find what makes you happy about physical movement and channel that thought when you are contemplating what you are going to do today. Even if it’s something as simple as getting on the floor and actively playing with your dog, as long as you are being true to what you need, you can build on that foundation. Lauren calls it “Intuitive movement” with no set goal, other than to just do what makes you happy. If you’re struggling with this, like I am, this mindset can be incredibly powerful.
I am allowed to process however I need to, and you are allowed to process or grieve whatever you’re going through the way you need to. Other people don’t get a say in how that works.
