FLOW
“Become a river and then nothing is needed. That’s what The Secret of the Golden Flower says: Achieve inaction through action, achieve effortlessness through effort. But first comes the effort, the action—it will melt you—and then the river starts flowing. In that very flow it has reached the ocean.”
~ Osho
The nights are drawing. I’m heading to bed earlier and rising later, much to the insistence of my alarm clock. Which has been so often ignored over the last few weeks, I’ve changed the times to give myself a little extra time in bed.
The first night I woke and discovered that I’d received more than eight and a half hours sleep I felt guilty. I couldn’t figure it out. Why should I feel bad about getting a good nights kip?!?
Marli, my youngest, is 3 and a half years old. I’ve had sleep deprivation for the last 3 years. On average 6 hours of broken sleep a night.
She was a terrible sleeper.
Six hours of broken sleep had become so normal, that now getting the hours I actually need to support good health, feel wrong. I ignored that feeling. I needed the sleep. So once again another early night and a slightly later wake up time.
After a week of this practice I started to notice some changes. I wasn’t as quick to jump down my families throat. My cravings had subsided. I could think more clearly. I got more done.
I was nestling into the new seasonal changes of shorter days and longer nights. A time to rest, recover and give back to myself after all those gloriously warm long summer days.
Circadian Rhythm, 24 hour cycles which are part of the body’s internal clock. Running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. It’s our internally coding which is in tune with all things living.
It’s important. When it’s not in sync it can cause havoc and our health suffers. We can create all of the rituals and habits, but if we are working against our Circadian Rhythm it will have an effect of which might not rear its ugly head until further down the line.
Giving in and settling down for the darker months is having a profound effect on my work life. I’m doing more in less time and it’s of better quality. I’m finding my flow. It’s not to say there aren’t some rocky patches. There will always be rough with the smooth, light and dark. But when I put myself first, when I allow myself to flow, the dips between those contrasting points become less vigorous. I realised, I’m wintering.
I’m putting to bed some of the stuff which no longer serves me and making space. Which will eventually be filled with new life, ideas and energy.
So for now I am nourishing my whole self. The food I consume, the company I keep, the information I absorb, the hobbies I practice. Giving back until I will be called once again to longer days.
Are you feeling a little out of sorts?
Somethings which can help you get back into your flow and settle into your Circadian Rhythm:
Early morning sunshine - seek it out like you would gold. It’s nectar.
Consistent sleep - regular your go to bed and wake up times.
Daily Exercise - It doesn’t always have to be a sweat show, a gentle walk can be just as beneficial.
Reduce caffeine - keep your consumption before 2pm.
Switch off - at least 2 hours before bed, switch off your devices.
Eat early - Have you final meal 3 - 4 hours before your head hits the pillow.
Short naps - If you need to nap, keep it short, 10 - 20 minutes.
#ForTheCulturallyCurious