Ease.

Many times my mom has recounted the story that one of the few American English phrase my maternal grandmother knew was, “Take it easy.” When my mom would tell this story, there was a bit of angst about this “taking it easy” business. As if, there was never time for it. Who has time to take it easy?

What’s the gift in the days of the coronavirus pandemic? There’s an opportunity to take it easy. I am terrible at it.

My seeming inability to take it easy - watch a movie, leisurely read a book, bake something unnecessary is laden with judgement about time better spent. Admittedly, my judgement seeps into my view of others or at least those I share space with. As a teacher and student of embodiment practices, including yoga and meditation, I am writing to tell all of you and mostly myself that taking it easy these days is going to look different for all of us. And mostly, the best we can do is be and do whatever arises with as much ease as possible.

For me, this means meal prepping and planning while bringing my attention to my breathing body and the relationship between my ears and shoulders. It means taking breaks to play with my cats more often than usual. Scheduling in neighborhood walks. Sometimes it is simply unwise to sit still and be with one’s self. Do the thing and fully embody it. Feel the beans as you wash them. Peel the carrots slowly.

Let’s do this embodiment thing with ease. Cheers grandma!