Plunge into Calm
Happy Tuesday! Here is what is inspiring me this week...
Breathe.
This week I listened to Benjamin Perry discuss the science of crying on the Ten Percent Happier podcast. One of my key takeaways was we don't always need to know why we are crying; the realization can come later. Perry's theory suggests crying clears something in our bodies, allowing us to later gain clarity about our circumstances or emotions. How this relates to breathwork? Hang with me...
We all have days when we feel "off" for no clear reason. Sometimes on these days I end up crying when I sit down to breathe or meditate; other times I don't. However, I usually feel a shift in my emotional state afterward regardless. This is the incredible thing about breathwork and other somatic practices—you don’t need to know what’s being released from your body or assign meaning to it.
If you find yourself getting emotional during or after breathwork, know it's normal and embrace it. As someone once told me, "When the river needs to flow, get out of its way and let it go."
Try it: Join me tonight (7/30) at 8:30 PM CST on Zoom for a 15-minute practice. Register ahead of time and get the zoom link here.
Move.
Let's talk about alternative cardio options. As you know from last week, I'm nursing a knee injury, so I'm focusing on low-impact exercises while I recover. While biking and swimming are the most obvious choices, they might not be accessible or enjoyable for everyone. Here are some other alternatives to help you stay active and elevate your heart rate if you find yourself in a similar situation, or just want to mix up your routine.
- Battle ropes - this is a great video showing different variations
- Boxing - I like seated or sumo squat punches, with 3-5# hand weights
- Rucking - aka walking or hiking with a weighted vest, child on your back or backpack loaded up with books.
- Kettlebell swings
- Rowing machine - one of the most deceivingly difficult cardio exercises (in my opinion). I highly recommend watching an instructional video like this one to get the most out of the exercise.
- Kayaking or Paddle boarding
- Yoga or Pilates
Try it: If you find yourself injured or physically limited, remember that the possibilities for staying active are endless. Sometimes, it just takes a little creativity.
Be Human.
I often think about death—not morbidly, but to remember my time here on Earth is limited and to use it wisely. The intention is to minimize regrets when the time comes. I'm not alone in this; for centuries, stoics and philosophers have practiced concepts like Memento Mori to remind us of our mortality.
"We have pushed our mortality to the background in Western culture. When death does occur, it's something that happens to other people. We all know we are going to die, but we don't think it's going to happen today, next week, or next year. We have crafted a view of life where death is not a reality, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Death and crying in the same newsletter - I know I'm just a bundle of joy. 🤪
One of the ways I try to remember my impending mortality is by coloring in a little square on this poster hanging in my room every week and ask myself the following questions:
- Am I happy with how I used my time this week?
- Did I live in alignment with my values?
If you can't name your values, I highly recommend doing an exercise like this one. I also recognize that pondering mortality can elicit anxiety for some and understand those who aren't in a place to engage in this sort of exercise.
"The way we regard death is critical to the way we experience life. When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes"
- Ram Dass
Try it: Find a way to remember you mortality that adds value and gratitude to your life, not anxiety. It could be a weekly journaling practice or simply placing an hourglass on your desk to occasionally glance at. There's a great chapter on this topic at the end of Breathe How You Want To Feel by Matteo Pistono.
Upcoming Events
Plunge into Calm - August 4
Free Breathes on Zoom - July 30
+ more dates to come
** I really love doing Plunge into Calm and want it to be accessible for everyone. If the registration cost is a concern or if you are buying more than one ticket for your household, use PICFREE for free admission or HALFOFF for 50% off. No questions asked. ❤️
What I'm currently reading
Original Love by Henry Shukman
