The turning of the wheel of the year is a gentle reminder to reflect on the rhythms inherent in life. If we are observant, everywhere we see a natural balance between work and rest. We see this rhythm in the flow of the seasons, the wax and wane of the moon, the turning of day and night, and even in the simplicity of the breath.
Rest is a crucial element in the busyness of business, especially during the holiday season. If we do not build in time for rest, creativity and productivity suffer. Many of us feel guilty if we take a break to relax or even take time off when we are ill. Rest is essential to wellness and helps us gain perspective. Thankfully, it's an unavoidable aspect of the process of life.
No matter the phase of business development, schedule time to rest. One effective way to rest is to unplug from technology for a full day by taking a secular sabbath. Turn off the TV, phone, and computer. Spend time connecting with nature. Visit with friends. Go for a walk or curl up with a good book. The sabbath can be a spiritual practice, but it doesn't need to be in order to be nourishing.
Another simple way to connect to the work-rest cycle is to use your breath. The 5-5-5 breath is a powerful stress reducer. Bringing your breath to 4 cycles per minute will flip a switch in your autonomic nervous system and engage the relaxation response.
To begin, sit in a comfortable position, lengthen your spine and relax your shoulders. Take a few long deep breaths. When you are ready, switch to the following pattern: spend 5 seconds taking a long slow inhale, suspend your breath for 5 seconds, and exhale 5 seconds. Start by practicing for 3 minutes.
Breath suspension is a very gentle action, without pressure or tension. If it is uncomfortable to suspend your breath, make the exhalation twice as long as the inhalation and you'll get the same relaxing outcome. You may choose to practice this exercise lying down.
We continue the Inner Journey this month as we take a look at personal values and how these values create your company's values and the company culture.
Join us with our special guest speaker, Ed Garner, Vice President of Custom Solutions at Enspire Learning, Inc. He will share with us how Enspire created their renowned company culture and how the leaders contributed to that.
Date: November 11
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Tech Ranch
2311 W. Rundberg Lane, Suite 200
Austin, TX
Please RSVP for the event at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=200131706998&ref=mf
The Inner Journey subgroup will be taking a rest during the December. We'll be back in January!
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