August 2021

Hey there and happy August,

 Another August is upon us, can you believe it!? I hope these summer days are treating you well and that the sun’s warmth has shined on your body and heart.

 As I sit quietly to summon my mantra for the month, what keeps coming through amid the chatter of my mind is, “Rest.”

It’s especially funny to me because everything in my action-oriented being and ego-brain is screaming, “Figure it out now, woman!” There’s a constant refrain of “Make the decisions, get that project started, get the other project finished… talk to the snail about the octopus, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!” and all the other fluctuations of the mind I witness coming up as a new mom, business owner, landlord, partner, daughter, sister, friend….

But amongst it all, the voiceless voice calls for rest, for processing  - for stillness. 

In the past, when struggling or feeling challenged, I would often find myself taking on more and more in order to distract and busy myself to a point that I would avoid slowing down and investigating what was truly needed. It is an easy habit to fall into, a deep samskara that can be formed. However, over the last few years with lots of yoga, meditation, therapy, and one giant of a tiny human later, I am learning to see the early signs of burnout and hitting pause.

 In a strange way, these times of the pandemic have forced me to not jump into my usual pattern of constant doing, but to simply wait and woah, for me, the “simplicity” of waiting is not easy.  

I am also realizing there is a collective exhaustion happening that is coming about from this time. An exhaustion that we are all carrying around with us due to underlying uncertainty, even anxiety or fear. So of course, it is exhausting us. And most of us are not even acknowledging this underlying energy or lack thereof and just barreling through at the normal speed of life. I can admit I have.

So, this month I am stopping. Waiting. Listening. I am bowing to that inner teacher and guide who is asking for rest and I encourage you to do the same.

Rest can come in many forms, but the first is acknowledging that it is needed and giving yourself permission to take it. Try not to fall into our Western mindset of do, do, do. Instead, give yourself some space. It could be as simple as going to bed a little earlier or not scheduling that extra meeting if possible. Maybe take a walk without your phone or plan a vacation if you have the privilege to do so.

So I will see you after my rest, and hopefully after yours. I wish you ease in your heart and being and send you wishes of health, safety, and joy.

 Love you all,

Margot

You can watch the full Mantra video here