My body is letting me know that it needs gentleness rather than intensity.

This is not my practiced inclination.

But when I don’t listen to the subtle guidance I receive, it becomes much more obvious. Pain is pretty good at getting my attention.

So for the past several weeks I’ve been moving my body gently—stretching, Tai Chi. I’m more focused on loving my body than testing it.

Lately, I’ve heard many people talking about being more sensitive than usual, and I’ve heard many explanations why.

What I know for me is that this is a time for observation, contemplation, renewal, and listening. It is a time to soothe my overstimulated nervous system, and to give myself the necessary peace to revitalize.

I have to resist the temptation to yield to any sense of urgency. My muscles are not atrophying. My weight is not rebounding. My health is not deteriorating.

In fact, I have the opportunity to create a new workout and wellness program, and to get to know my body in a new way. I am choosing to see any frustration I am experiencing as the desire to learn more, expand more, dare more, and create more.

Contemplation is a part of creation. I have time to consider my options. To listen to my body and determine the direction that feels right to me now. To gather all the information I may need to start out on a new course.

Sometimes, the best action is to be quiet and listen.

Giving myself time to recover and figure out a new path is not familiar ground. In the past, my exercise switch had only two settings—off and on. Either I was working out at full intensity or I wasn’t working out at all.

So here is something in between.

I’m aware of the fear that I will lose all the fitness progress I have recently made, and I’m reminding myself that my fitness will never be “done.” My fitness—and wellness—are always in the process of becoming. There is always room for growth and improvement.

And I’m not the same person I used to be. Moving my body—even gently—feels better than not moving at all. I’m more connected to my Higher Self and more in-tune with the guidance I am receiving.

This place of rest and recovery is temporary. It is just where I am right now. There will be a time to push and progress, and I will know when it is time to pick up the pace.

I’m curious, has anyone else felt that this is a time to rest and renew? Or are you feeling invigorated and resilient? What choices are you making? What’s working best for you?

Together we can do it!

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