Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Self-Care:

Lessons from Our Morning Practice

As the seasons transition, I feel the connection to the cycles of nature; how our bodies, minds, and needs dynamically shift with the world around us. Since July, we have had Our Morning Practice, or ‘floppy yoga,’ as we like to call it! A short morning practice three times a week. .

What began as a gentle, nurturing offering during the summer quickly extended into autumn. This practice was for everyone but as always has been designed to be available to those of us with persistent health challenges, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain … to come together and in embodied, compassionate movement. In those early mornings, we discovered a gentle ease and exploration, and a sense of community, flowing through a practice that prioritised listening to our bodies and honouring whatever emerged, moment by moment.

A couple of days ago, I announced that Our Morning Practice would pause until spring, inviting a period of wintering and hibernation. This decision arose from a deep intuitive understanding that rest is essential, particularly as we transition into the colder, darker months. I envisioned a season filled with stillness, more time to slow down, rest, and recharge.

However, life had a playful reminder in store for me: the nature of self-care is ever-changing. The next morning, I found myself awake earlier than usual, even earlier than the time I would usually rise for our sessions. Instead of staying cosy in bed, in the rest I had planned for myself, I felt a spark, a gentle call from within urging me to do something different. So, instead of remaining cocooned, I ventured out for a morning walk with Richard, my husband.

As we meandered through the trees, I noticed my energy shift with each step. There I was, twirling, laughing, and feeling vibrantly alive. It was a collection of moments filled with joy, connection, and presence; a reminder that self-care is never a single approach. At times, self-care may mean embracing restful solitude and retreating inward. On other occasions, it is about the crisp autumn air on your face, playful movement, and the vitality of nature.

The Ever-Changing Nature of Self-Care

One of the lessons from Our Morning Practice is that nourishing and resourcing ourselves is a constantly evolving journey. What we crave today may differ tomorrow, next week, or next month. Our physical and spiritual selves are in a state of perpetual adaptation, and our self-care practices need to reflect this flexibility. Sometimes, the most nurturing act we can grant ourselves is to remain open to change; honouring the rhythms that call us, through various seasons.

At this time of year when nature begins to shift, with leaves fallen, the air more crisp, and the landscape inviting stillness, it becomes a time for introspection and quiet contemplation. Yet, as this morning walk reminded me, even in this phase, there can be unexpected bursts of energy and joy, a flourish of fun, an array of glimmers.

Honouring What We Need, Moment by Moment

So, what does self-care look like for you at this moment? It may involve curling up under a warm blanket, or a gentle restorative yoga practice, or granting yourself the freedom to do absolutely nothing. Alternatively, it might mean dancing joyfully in your kitchen, laughing with friends, or exploring outside. The beauty of self-care is that it is deeply personal, adaptable and uniquely individual.

This is why I ask you to practice deep listening, attuning to what your whole being needs at any given moment. Self-care is not about rigid routines or following a prescriptive formula. It is about cultivating a compassionate relationship with yourself, one in which you trust that your needs and wants will shift and evolve. And when they do, you can respond with awareness, acceptance, love and grace.

Moving Forward Together

As we take a pause from Our Morning Practice until spring, I have much gratitude to everyone who has shared in this journey. In this interlude, I invite you to honour this season of hibernation in whatever way feels most nourishing to you.

Remember: whether you are resting or twirling in the trees, you are choosing what is right for you. Continue to embrace the ebb and flow of self-care, understanding that every shift and change is part of life's intricate dance.

What nourishes you today?