Required Rest and Spiritual Revitalization
“I don’t have time to make time!” My first thought when I saw Saturday Spring Into Vitality events scheduled for rest and creativity. The first event came, and my doubt and hesitation were met with Uma. The countenance of Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, PhD is so welcoming, open, inviting, and peaceful that my walls came down and my reservations melted away.
During the two-hour session Uma explained and guided participants through three separate Yoga Nidras (meaning yogic sleep). The participants experienced a sampling of what Yoga Nidra has to offer: a rhythmic poem scripted Nidra, a free scripted Nidra, and a Nidra that was co-created with words, phrases, and emotions the participants wanted to be included along with a variety of sounds. The response from the group was a resounding “I needed this.”
Under the spirit of rest and openness lingering from the Yoga session, I hosted and attended the Nurture Your Spirit Watercolor Painting Class with Joan Ferguson the following Saturday. This was a much more energetic event by comparison. Joan brought vibrancy and color to the online step-by-step instructed session. Each of the participants we able to come at their own skill level and still create unique and very well done works of art.
A few personal reflections I had from the Spiritual Vitality sessions are:
I need to make the time. Rest. I had a rest hangover on Monday and it was glorious. Giving space for my mind and body to let go and then changing what I ask of them has been very fulfilling in the days since.
I purchased Uma’s book Yoga Nidra Made Easy because even after just one session, I felt the need to embrace slowing down and caring for my mind and body well. I am making Yoga Nidra part of my monthly self-care regimen.
I need time and space to be intentionally creative. I function out of both sides of my brain and need that balance. I can feel and see how I’m showing up when I’ve forced myself to be left brained too consistently and for too long.
Watercolor isn’t just for kindergarteners! I learned so much about paints, brushes, paper types, and possibilities while planning this event with Joan and I’m excited to explore more on my own with subjects beyond tulips.
My hope in sharing my reflections out loud that they might be heard and provide encouragement to seek rest, rejuvenation and explore new things that delight your spirit.