Let the body breathe...

We all have a capacity. Perhaps in the pursuit of results - be it fitness, education, financial, spiritual or relational - we can push our bodies hard. The integration of structure and discipline can be useful when considering effective transformation - still there is a limitation, an elongation of the body that demands to be respected and observed.

It can be dismissive of our natural rhythm to push or place pressure when rest, pause and reflection is required instead. At times, letting the body breathe is essential so it may absorb the work you have put into it: so it may process and digest the efforts and lessons you have already placed on your body. The mind needs reflection, the muscles need rest, the lungs need air and the heart need a regular steady pace.

Much like revision for an exam, or learning the infrastructure required to build a healthy relationship, it is often more productive and more energy efficient to breathe, to pause and just to be. Ultimately, life demands a balance between movement and absorption; effort and digestion. Sometimes, simply being exactly where you are in this moment in the present, can cultivate an ease into the next movement.

Learn to listen to your body, its capacity, its need for reflection and really make time for that. Honour and respect your daily limitations - which will alter day to day. Pushing and pursuing are positives when working towards your dreams or ambitions, but if applied in extremes, without a breath, a pause or time for pleasure - they cannot uphold a healthy balance and happy life.

Allow the body to breathe. Allow your muscles to rest and give yourself space to integrate the work you have already put in. It is vital, too, that you never starve yourself of joy, ease or play - in the pursuit of goals. In a world of intense work loads and mad ambition - it is essential that we add this logic and way of life into our lifestyles: to bolster and support its sustainability.

The body has a natural balance and capacity that must be protected and respected. Although it is possible to train our muscles and cultivate new neuro-pathways - in order for us to build, evolve and develop our own malleability - we must still ebb between gentleness and discipline; focus and ease; pressure and pause; control and flow.

We are most enriched when we nurture this polarity and give space for both parts to grow. Ultimately, we cultivate a healthy balance when we give our bodies space to simply breathe in the work already put towards the lives we want and the lives we love.