Infrastructure of Support

♥️ Lake Michigan

Living near this Great Lake fills my heart with wonder and joy.

Whether I am sailing, swimming, paddling, floating, walking along the shore, or simply admiring her from afar... this bountiful body of fresh water soothes, and nurtures, my spirits. It reminds me to pause. To listen. To take in the beauty that surrounds me.

Leading yoga classes at Lakeshore Resort overlooking this lake? Incredible! Here’s to Season 7 of yoga on the deck; I hope for many more. 🙏🏽

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"“When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings…”
~ anne lamott

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Keeping Up Our Self-Care
We’re Worth It!

​Hi beauties!

How are you today?
Truly.
How are you?

Have you taken a moment to pause? To check in?

This is the time in the summer season when I begin losing track of days. And, I have to be super conscious to build in moments of relaxation and rest.

Here’s something I am really beginning to understand. If I don’t have solid infrastructure in place that supports my relaxation and rest? I’m apt to let all that goodness slip away into busyness.

Summer in Saugatuck means there’s always another art opening, an outdoor show, an opportunity to get together with friends, etc. And, I love it! I’m super grateful to live in a place where people come for vacation. It delights me to support my friends in their creative endeavors. I’m never going to say “no” to an opportunity to sail or swim.

But, when you are one of the people not on vacation? Things can feel a little different.

I certainly don’t want to just “show up for work.” Every time I teach a class, I understand it is a privilege. No matter where I am leading a class, I view it as sacred space. Whether I am with my long-time, regular yogis (thank you! 🙏🏽), or I am meeting someone on the mat for the very first time (thank you! 🙏🏽), I want everyone to have an enriching experience in their brain, body, and being.

So, my own self-care is even more important when I am busy.

Here are some ways I make sure to keep up (and maybe even double down) on active self care:

• I prioritize sleep. Why? Because this a longtime habit of mine that serves me well, so I stick with it. Turns out that something practiced for decades does indeed form a habit. This is one of my non-negotiables, with very few exceptions. Ask anyone in my book club, they’ll confirm I win the “most likely to leave first” award year after year. 😅
  
  
• I have been committed to a daily yoga practice for years, so this, too, comes easily. Naturally. Like brushing my teeth. Both of these things make me a more healthy, more pleasant, person to be around, so yes. I don’t leave home without them. 😉

Both of these examples are part of my well-developed infrastructure of self-care, and while they serve me well, they aren’t enough. That’s why putting something on the schedule in advance of my busyness? Saves me from letting my self-care slip away.

Example:

• Acupuncture is something that really helps me. In SO many ways. But, if I don’t schedule my summer appointments in April, I will definitely reach the point where I think, “I don’t have time for that.” Of course, that’s exactly when I need the support the most! So, I am currently scheduled through October, and that helps me show up for myself.
  
  

I also have examples of areas where I want to grow and improve my self-care . . . and that seems extra challenging in the busy season. So, I return to Lake Michigan. Even a few moments there helps me settle into my best self.

Got a self-care tip or routine you want to share?
Drop me a line, or send me a text, so you can help me and others! 🥰

💡& ♥️,
~m