Moments of Calm: Blossoming with Yoga

I am aware I have been a little quiet on Changing Pages lately.  I think there is a good reason for that.  I have been doing lots of thinking and scribbling and reading, but most of that hasn’t been very fully formed or written to be read by anyone else.

I have just completed my last week in my current job.  If you have read Changing Pages for a while, or followed me on Instagram, you will know I have worked as a palliative care nurse.  I have been working as a nurse for almost 26 years.  Two days ago, with tears in my eyes,  I left the hospital where I have been working for the last time.  After a very long time of knowing I wanted to do something else, I finally took the plunge earlier this year to hand in my resignation and plan a whole new career for myself.

The most recent wave of Covid has meant a very busy couple of months in healthcare, which has been both physically and emotionally draining. This, and trying to plan my new work has taken quite a lot of my head space.  I fully intend to write more about my nursing and what I will be doing next, but for the moment I am still processing the excitement and emotion of the last few days.

All of this is a way of saying I’m still very much here and finding moments of calm have been a little more challenging, but also  never more important

Yoga with Adriene

I am aware I am rather late in joining this particular party.  Adrienne has been a youtube phenomenon for quite some time, inspiring people all over the world to ‘come to the mat’ for the daily practice.  I have dabbled with yoga a couple of times before but never with any real commitment.  Over the last 6 weeks I have found myself looking forward to my regular dose of Adrienne.  I have been following a 30 day programme called ‘Breathe’.  It has been exactly what I have needed and I really feel I have been able to establish a new practice which is already so beneficial to my physical and emotional health.

Finding Blossom

I adore spring and the promise it brings of new life, and longer days.  Nature changes so quickly at this time of year.  Gardens come to life with daffodils and tulips.  Trees begin to bud and most excitingly the first blossom appears.  Going out for walks where I know there will be a majestic Magnolia or  candy tuft cherry blossom, or hedgerows filled with hawthorn is one of my spring rituals.   As I am sure I have written many times before, observing the rhythm and predictability of nature is both reassuring and calming.

Before I launch myself in to my new work. I have some holiday to take.  So I am looking forward to time for exercise, reading, spring sunshine, and of course hot cross buns and chocolate.  It is almost Easter after all….

Have a wonderful week.