All week I have written about relaxation.

That is because I sincerely believe there is a lack of relaxation, and frankly playfulness in the American (and maybe world) psyche right now. I know it. Things are tough. With all the political, economic, educational, health, and other struggles and problems left to solve … we need to take a lot of breaks, a lot of “time outs” to get through this emotionally healthy in the end.

But, just because we have relaxed, or do often, it doesn’t mean we are lazy. No, sir!

We are well-rested!

Have you ever played against an opponent when you could tell they were well-rested? Intimidating?

It doesn’t need to be. We can show up for work, for the yoga mat, for our new super-secret project….well-rested and ready to work.

Effort has a place in yoga. But the effort is up to you to apply. This can be a fantastic discipline. You will be learning new lessons about the limits of your rest, your muscles, and your eating habits. It is inevitable. The more you pay attention and respond to the ease and comfort in your body as you gain health, the more your body will send effective signals to back off from the chocolate cake, or to back off from the extension in your front leg.

You are in the driver’s seat. Not your worry, and not your sleepiness. You can get that mat out and spend 15 minutes just being with a forward bend and see if you can feel the signals your nerves are sending. That is steady effort (sthira). It doesn’t need to change the fact that you are also relaxed and at ease (sukkha).

Pose of the Day: Standing Forward Bend (be gentle, bend your knees if you need to, and feel what you feel)

Yogic Concept of the Day: Being relaxed doesn’t mean lazy. It means well-rested and prepared.