2020 has been one roller coaster of a year for all of us. It has left me, and many others, feeling uncertain, unsure, and nervous about what the future holds. Job loss and financial insecurities topping the stress list. When things become overwhelming, I like to escape.
The first place I escape to is my yoga practice. My mat is a safe and comforting spot, almost like a second home. It gives me a chance through breath and movement to leave the outer world and dive deep into my internal self. I am grounded and free all at once. Posture by posture, I work through the physical and mental weight that stress leaves in the body. Sometimes though, my yoga practice isn’t enough.
I was recently given the opportunity to go to the mountains for the weekend and it was exactly what my heart needed. Here in the bay area of California, it’s been difficult to go outside. We’ve had extreme heat waves and unhealthy air quality due to ongoing fires. My husband and I took off for the mountains just south of Lake Tahoe. The four and a half hour drive was a lot like my yoga practice. There were moments where I was fully present and deep in thought. Other times, I was spaced out and exhausted. The more we started to be surrounded by trees, the more I was able to relax.
The outdoors have always been my other escape. I grew up in the country and quiet, open space always brings a sense of calm. I let every thick grove of trees we passed bring deeper, calmer breaths. It didn’t take long to feel that internal reset button being pressed.
Once we arrived at the house, I took what felt like the biggest breath I had taken in six months. I just stood on the porch, staring at the surrounding mountains in complete silence. It was as if my brain knew that it could turn off. We spent the evening playing games, laughing, and just letting go of the outside world for a little bit. The next morning, I got up with the sun and decided to combine my two escapes into one practice.
I took an hour for myself, while everyone else was sleeping, and got on my mat. I practiced on the deck as the sun started to peak over the mountain range. In that moment, my entire being was centered. I was able to fully drop into my surroundings and myself. It’s amazing what a change of scenery can do for your wellbeing.
Later, we packed up, said our goodbyes and took the long way home-soaking up every bit of the present moment. Many hours and fun detours later, we arrived home to the same smoke-filled sky, but with a new outlook. Taking time to reset and center yourself is always worth it.
Join me in my outdoor practice here.
