Writer’s Tool: A Healthy Connection To You

Yesterday I did something that slowly peeled back some stress layers. I took my first ever yoga class. It’s so ironic how it came to be. It was only a few days ago when I realized, though I had made some significant gains as far as writing goals are concerned, I failed in one critical area; taking care of myself, especially my hair. Last week brought on  a rush of things, where I positioned myself to help others. I’m not complaining about it, because I do love to help whenever I can. However, it proved to be a bit taxing as I over did it a bit.

I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror. I did a heavy sigh as I looked at the bottom of my feet. They are ok, but in need of a pedicure. I can’t even recall the last time I made it to a spa for a good ol’ foot scrub; one that is sure to leave my feet smoother than silk! I did a deep sigh as I gazed at my face, the heavy baggage underneath my eyes, some breakout spots on my face and then my hair. My hair lacks attention. Sure, I’ll do the basics of washing and conditioning, but that’s it. I don’t tend to it like I should. I’ve been so spoiled by going to my beautician, that once my budget couldn’t (wouldn’t) budge for hair, I pretty much divorced it. Each time I get the gumption to take care of it, I get a really good start and then a month later, I’m back to doing the bare minimum of washing and conditioning.

Not only is my hair suffering, but like a writer, I’m awake at all kinds of hours. It’s killing my sleep pattern. I have no consistency. Lately, I feel as if I can’t get anything done, because once I get to working, my eyes droop. I’m tired…A LOT. Right now I can’t afford that as I have something big I’m prepping for.

Shortly after my self-evaluation, I began to strategize on how I can flip things around to where I’m getting proper sleep so I can focus on getting my work done and can sprout bountiful and healthier hair. Last week, I read my friend’s blog post about an “expedition” that she and other friends of hers that are (current and aspiring) entrepreneurs are participating in. The expedition is a discipline in which you devote at least 2 hours for 21 days in working on a project that will take your business to the next level.  Surely I feel like I need to do this as I feel this push to move forward with my creative and writing talents. Yet, I admit that I have a failure to launch situation going on; the tiredness, the wanting to help others and…. basically neglecting me and not getting done what needs to be done. Sometimes I wonder if it is a deeper issue. Yanno, as things are becoming real for me, I’m allowing everything and anyone to be a distraction out of some sort of fear. That sort of became clear to me as I sat on my yoga mat last evening doing a series of deep inhales and exhales.

The yoga really came as gift from my mom. She surprised me with the news on Sunday. It’s something that we both need to de-stress. After we did some running around for much of the day, we headed to class. I was simply delighted to learn the class was taught by Sariane Leigh, also known as Anacostia Yogi on Twitter. We follow each other and though she doesn’t tweet much I always enjoy her wellness tips. I’ve also been a bit curious about her yoga classes. Welp, my curiosity is satisfied and wants more.

Yoga has always been one of those things I was interested in, but never took the time to seek classes. I also wondered how could it work for me or how could I benefit. I always hear about the obvious – it makes you limber or it can improve your sex life – but what about my curves and my few rolls? How can I stretch it all out? How will it relax me and take me to a meditative zone, a place where I need to be from time to time? Ironically, a couple of days ago I came across a photo floating around on Pinterest. The photo, a thick and curvy female in an ustrasana pose, is actually from the Chubby Bunnies tumblr blog. The caption reads:

“I used to thing that yoga was only for skinny people, but my practice over the last 3 years has taught me how to love my body, challenge my body, and strengthen my body. Keep on, chubby yogis!” – FuckYeahYoga

I was immediately inspired. Before my class began, I was pleasantly surprised that Leigh knew who I was when I introduced myself to her. She gave me a brief overview of  yoga and her classes, in particular the one from last night. Last night’s class was the second of three free sessions called Your Best Body Series. It includes not only the yoga workout but a 25 minute discussion on topics concerning health and wellness.

Though I was unsure which kind of yoga I participated in (vinyasa vs. bikram), Leigh did inform me:

@AnacostiaYogi: @Mahoganie_Jade Tonight we did a restorative & regenerative practice. Next week we do a vinyasa (flow) style! #dcyogalove

All I know is with the usage of props (yoga strap and blocks) and the move of slightly lifting my feet with my knees tucked in and extending on an exhale, my hamstrings went:

“Umm Ma’am… MA’AM……NO MA’AM!”

A presenter from the Black Women’s Health Imperative discussed with the group some issues and concerns about diabetes. She also handed out a goal sheet entitled “What Are My S.M.A.R.T. Priorities?” The S.M.A.R.T standing for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-phased.  People that shared their goals or priorities in class mainly gave all around health goals. Mine starts with a health goal and trickles down to other areas, mainly my writing.

The handout asks you to list your top three priorities. From there you answer the following questions listing three items;

• Strains or worries that are related to my top three priorities include…
• The above interfere with my ability to set goals related to my priorities by…
• I plan to achieve these goals by…

As writers we will always need some kind of health connection. When we our bodies are down we can’t function, especially our brain which is the BIGGEST tool we use! Despite the great ideas I have roaming in my head for a good piece of journalism or the characters I see forming for a creative piece, when I’m blocked not only mentally, but physically and spiritually… something needs to change.  Please take caution and sit down. Find out what can unlock the blockage and be in tune and open to building a healthier you.

By the time the session ended, I felt relaxed, but I knew I still have work to do. My body is so tense that a lot of time I feel it and I can’t really relax, especially in my shoulders. Actually I know of one bad habit I need to be rid of; using my laptop in bed. My legs end up feeling like goo as circulation is hindered and my back and shoulders end up all tensed up. Yack!

Of course I will be back in class next Monday and when regular sessions start up again in January, my mother and I will be right there.  I aim to be limber and less tense and more relaxed. I want my mind to breathe so the words can flow easily and doing a 21 day discipline won’t feel like such a struggle as I use my brain to think.

Read about Anacostia Yogi her fellow yogis and health and wellness tips right here.

Tagged: african-american, Anacostia Yoga, Black Women's Health Imperative, creative writing, life, mental health, spirituality, Washington DC, writing, Yoga

Posted in: Writer's Tools