If we don’t rest when we need it, we will pay for it in other ways.
By Mary Boutieller
Two weeks ago, I got a poison ivy rash on my left arm from about wrist to elbow. I was pulling up some poison ivy and probably brushed something off my arm with my gloved hand. In my defense, I’ve never reacted to poison ivy before and have pulled it up with abandon for years, so I thought nothing of it.
For nine days, I self-treated the rash and tried to ignore it, carrying on with my normal activities as my arm became more blistered and inflamed. It was nine days of itching, pain and yuckiness before I finally went to a doctor who told me to never wait that long again, then filled me up with steroids (not my favorite!). By then, I was exhausted in a way I couldn’t explain. After all, it was just a little rash. My body had had enough though, and I spent the whole tenth day in my pjs. And the next day. And the next. I took naps, slept all night, drank lots of tea and rested.
The reason I’m sharing this is because I was in a position to witness the process and hear the lesson. You see, while hanging out in my pjs, I felt so fidgety. I felt like I “should” be doing something even though I felt like doing nothing. I found myself justifying why I was being so inert. I kept excusing myself for needing rest, for listening to my body—as if I needed a reason to take care of myself. AND, I know better.
I was surprised how hard it was to sit still—to not do.
Finally, I succumbed to the fact that I was really tired. I realized that the world would not come crashing down if I didn’t do any number of inane things on my very unimportant to-do list. What I knew was that if I didn’t rest, I would pay for it in other ways. So, rest I did.
I started to wonder how it happens that we take care of others so much easier than we take care of ourselves; that somehow we’ve learned that we don’t need attention, love or rest to be our fullest selves? Where did the programming begin and how does it end? It ends by listening, really listening, and then by being willing to truly take care of ourselves without reasons, excuses or guilt.
Joanna Gaines wrote, “This is the truth. You are worthy. You are enough. My biggest regret is not owning it earlier and really loving who I am.”
Two days ago, I felt the lightness returning to my body. Today, a little tired but much more myself.
I wonder, now, if it had anything to do with the poison ivy rash, or was it the slow buildup of tiredness or need that went ignored? Was it the Universe tapping me on the shoulder reminding me that it was time to fill up the cup because it was getting low?
Whatever it was, the lesson was clear, and I am so grateful to the little poison ivy rash for teaching it to me.
How about you? Are there things you aren’t listening to or signs you are ignoring? Do you need to take better care of yourself, for yourself? If so, do it now. Love yourself enough to know you are worthy just by being who you are. Love yourself enough so that your light stays lit.
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
