Last spring, I led a three day retreat in the mountains. On the second day, in the afternoon, I gave these instructions:
–> You are free to do whatever you want this afternoon. The only rule is: let your body lead. Let your BODY inform what to “do” (or not do) next. <–
That evening, we gathered again and discussed how things went.
One participant said, “I am almost 40 years old and I don’t think I have ever done something like this. I have never allowed my body to direct me. In my life, there’s ALWAYS a plan. Always a huge list of things to DO. Activities on the calendar. Things that just NEED to get done.
But when I asked my body what it wanted, it wanted to go to the upper deck and stretch in the sunshine. Then it wanted a nap. Then it just wanted to lay in bed for awhile. Then it wanted another nap. And so that’s exactly what I did. And I feel fantastic tonight.”
I cheered when I heard this!
This is RESTORATION.
Our bodies are not machines, able to go go go as long as there is electricity or fuel available.
NO.
Our animal bodies are ANIMALS. We need clean water, clean food, and REST. SO MUCH MORE REST than most of us are currently offering ourselves (and our families).
I wonder…what would happen if you let your animal body lead? Let it decide what to “do” next?
Where might it take you?
Warmly,
Angie