Autumn is really here and along with it has come a wave of intense laziness for me. Over the last few weeks I have noticed myself spending more time indoors, taking trains rather than biking to get places, and sleeping in later each day (when I don’t have to be at work). I have not been running as much but more importantly, I have not felt like running as much as I did during summer when the mornings were warm and sunny.
Today I decided I had to get outside. I put on a fleece-lined vest, put my running shoes on, and set out with the best intentions of going to the park for a walk/run. I must have gotten about 10 metres down my road and could not stand to be in the cold and wet (it was drizzling) a moment longer! I turned around and went straight back home.
Instead of feeling defeated and annoyed (those thoughts were really quick on the draw) I decided to do yoga instead. I remember last year, I went to yoga more in the winter because it’s indoors. There wasn’t a class at the studio near me so I put on this YouTube video and did 45 minutes in my lounge.
It was a lovely Vinyasa class and I felt good about moving and getting my body warm and activated. At the end of the class the lady reads a Rumi poem and I want to share that with you. I think it is probably one of the best poems I’ve read about human nature and about mental health.
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.~Rumi
Have a beautiful day!!
