29/08/2022
Monday Movements
Ancient Chinese philosophy explains the cosmos and our place in it through the principles of yin-yang. In its essence, the universe is always creating itself from chaos using material energy.
☯️ Yin-yang represents the ideal and harmonious balance that can exist between 2 opposite, interconnected forces. This balance is regarded as essential for the sustainable health of an individual, society and the universe as a whole.
💜 It can be understood beautifully at an individual, looking at the relationship between activity and rest.
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, a Silicon Valley consultant and researcher, highlights this in his book, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less,
“Rest is not this optional leftover activity. Work and rest are actually partners. They are like different parts of a wave. You can’t have the high without the low. The better you are at resting, the better you will be at working.”
So what is rest? Is it the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night?
Sleep is important but, according to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, M.D, there are 7️⃣ TYPES OF REST that we need and cannot be fulfilled by sleep alone:
1️⃣ Creative rest
2️⃣ Mental rest
3️⃣ Physical rest
4️⃣ Social rest
5️⃣ Emotional rest
6️⃣ Sensory rest
7️⃣ Spiritual rest
As a potential, “Rest is the most underused, chemical-free, safe and effective alternative therapy available to us.” (Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith).
The encourages rest, recognising the important role it plays in keeping the body in a state of rest, digest and heal, reducing the body’s levels of physical, chemical and emotional stress.
Next Step 👣:
✅ Teach yourself more about the 7 types of rest
https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/
✅ Some ideas for you to experience more ‘rest’ in each of these important domains of your life
1️⃣ Creative - spend time around what inspires you. This might be a person, sitting in front of your favourite painting, signing up to a workshop or listening to a motivational podcast. Dedicate this time as fun and allow your childlike curiosity to open your mind and heart.
2️⃣ Mental - take short breaks throughout the day. If you can, get outside, feel the sun on your face, notice nature around you. If not, take a few breaths and use your index finger to trace around the outside of your opposite hand. The important thing is to feel back into your body and allow this connection to recharge you.
3️⃣ Physical - stretch your body before bed for a better night’s sleep.
4️⃣ Social - notice what you’re doing when you are with your family and friends. Are you multi-tasking? If so, limit what you do. Multi-tasking requires energy and there can be more ease when we have a relaxed focus, simply present and connected to what is in front of us.
5️⃣ Emotional - the fight flight response in our body is triggered when we perceive a situation beyond our capabilities. Today, why not explore some techniques to build your confidence and self-belief? For example, visualisation, Tony Robbin’s incantations or the tapping method ( ).
6️⃣ Sensory - close your eyes and see yourself peaceful. Is it a memory or a glimpse of a future you want? What is the dominant sense? Your sense of smell, hearing, touch, taste, sight? Identify which one and use it as a doorway for example: smell (explore ), hearing (create a calming playlist), touch (make a soft, relaxing corner - especially for children), taste (explore mindful eating techniques), sight (think colours and invest in an eye mask).
7️⃣ Spiritual - connect with a passion and volunteer in this area.
