Everyone who has ever taken a yoga class has heard the words, “Whenever you need a break, come to child’s pose.” This morning, as we all went into child’s pose, on our knees with our heads bowed, those words really sank in for me. Typically, my mind goes to, I’ve been doing yoga for three years, I don’t need to go to child’s pose. I don’t want to take a break. Inevitably, though, when our instructor tells us to move on to downward dog, there’s a little voice in my head that says, No, it feels good to be in child’s pose! And today, I had a revelation. In life, we all need a break sometimes. We all need to come to child’s pose.
Do you remember your childhood? The days spent with friends, evenings spent catching fireflies, soaring on the swing set, playing flashlight tag. What were your worries, your biggest concerns? Whether or not you finished your homework? What you were going to wear to school the next day? Which book to read when this one is done? Life was one big break after another. And then you hit high school, and the breaks were fewer in number; and then in college, your breaks came two or three times a year; and the next thing you knew, you were an adult who didn’t have time for breaks at all.
Everyone needs some down time, a deep cleansing breath, a chance to close your eyes and be in the moment, releasing the tension in your muscles, and melting into the mat. We all need to step back, smell the roses, and enjoy the small bit of time we are given here on this earth. Life is hard, work is never ending, we are pulled in several directions at once. But how good does it feel when we have those rare and precious moments to let it all go? Perhaps it’s a day at the beach, a family vacation, or even a quiet hour with a good book. We all need a chance to relive our childhood, to recapture our youth, to come to child’s pose.
During this hectic holiday season, forget about rushing here and there and pulling your hair out trying to have the perfect Christmas. Perfection doesn’t come to us here on Earth. The most we can do is live every day to the best of our potential and enjoy it while it lasts. Making gifts doesn’t have to mean quilting a full-sized bedspread for everyone. It can be baking someone her favorite cake and handing it to her on a pretty platter. It’s okay if your tree is leaning a little or if the lights on your house are a little uneven. It’s the joy you feel on Christmas Day and the love you share with your family and friends that matter. Let yourself relax and have fun. If you’re lucky enough to have snow, build a snowman! And remember that dropping to your knees isn’t just for yoga. It’s what we should do whenever we seek solace and rest. It is a meaningful moment, a plea for a break or for help, a searching for peace in your mind, for grace in your soul. When you need a break, come to child’s pose.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
Amy Schisler is the author of two mystery / suspense novels. Her first book, A Place to Call Home is in its second printing and may be purchased in stores and online. Amy’s newest mystery, Picture Me, was released in August of 2015 and is available in stores, at Amazon, and at Barnes & Noble. Both novels are also available for Kindle, Nook, and iBooks. Amy’s children’s book, Crabbing With Granddad, may be purchased in stores and on Amazon.
You may follow Amy on Facebook at http://facebook.com/amyschislerauthor on Twitter @AmySchislerAuth, on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/amyschisler and on her web site http://amyschislerauthor.com.
Beautiful!!!!!!
Thank you!