Summer Preview

Burnout can be sneaky. A friend recently mentioned that we were bothperhaps exhibiting symptoms. My first reaction is, how ridiculous! I'm ayoga instructor—we don't burn out! But the truth is, we all burn out,at some point or another, if we don't recognize our own unique needs forself care and rest. Teaching yoga is immensely fulfilling, and alsotiring. Running a business, even more so. There is a lot of late-nightworrying in running a business: how to stay afloat, how to meet theneeds of students, of teachers, of community. It's hard to get away fromall of the external stuff that needs my attention. For me, the mosteffective "away" time is spent on the meditation cushion. And for about 9months I was diligent about my daily practice, but things have gottenaway from me. I could blame our new puppy but I think I have to own thisone.  I dusted off my zafu this morning and got back to it anddiscovered anew the deep and satisfying settling and coming home to Selfthat makes the practice of meditation, for me, the most effectiveantidote to burnout. Good sleep and hiking are closely tied for secondplace.

How do you address burnout? How do you find rest and clear your head andtake time away from the constant demands of your daily life? Yoga,meditation, time with friends, time in the woods....how will you takecare of yourself today?