© Nicole Bratt 2019
Summer skies and temperatures are pretty much perfection up here in the Pacific Northwest! The cherries, peaches, and pluots have been blowing my mind. I've managed to get out of the city and into the mountains backpacking for several long nourishing weekends. I've gone swimming in lakes, and even tried out SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boarding for the first time! And in the midst of all of this savoring joy and abundance, I've found it challenging to carve out actual rest time.
I find this ironic! Summertime is associated with hammocks, vacation, leisurely picnics, no school, taking time off for relaxation... and yet, just like the fruit trees, the season is bursting with opportunities and events galore. I admit that I want to do ALL THE THINGS! Go, go, go! (And I don't think I'm alone! I've been hearing similar sentiments from my students, and my classes are as packed as ever!)
What I've noticed is that this has naturally translated to a slower, mellow practice, in my own home, rolling around on the floor in the morning or early evenings when the temperatures are cooler. Slow asana has become my rest. Grounding, slow, cooling; almost no standing poses, but lots of side body stretching and Child's poses; a lot of Legs up the Wall in the mid-afternoons right about naptime.
How are you finding time to rest during these long daylight hours? Has your practice changed during this season? I'd love to hear!
By the way, I'm coming to San Francisco soon! If you are interested in diving in to some of that slower, mellow practice yourself, I hope you'll join me! Read on!
Abundance,
Nicole