When Pause Needs Stop
The human body is incredible. Those who know me well will often hear my respect and gratitude for the complexity of our body systems and how we cope and thrive in sometimes challenging environments.
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Let’s face it – most of us know we could be doing a little more to take care of our physical health. Whether it’s that we should walk a little more, get to bed a bit earlier, cut back on the alcohol or eat less sugar; there are probably a few tweaks possible for most of us that would help our body along.
Over the years, I’ve learned (and relearned) that my advice is useful, especially for myself. And so, as a natural early morning riser, I make sure I get to bed early a good few nights during the week. I also know I benefit well from calming exercise and so love my regular home yoga and walking routine. I eat well most of the time (80/20 rule), take supplements as needed, drink plenty of herbal teas, don’t drink alcohol (this was a game changer for me in terms of mojo and mood) and generally look after myself well. As a cleverly disguised introvert, I value quiet and solitude and make sure I get both on a regular basis. This year, paying attention to my lower energy levels, I reduced my clinic hours and only saw clients three days per week.
So how come I was getting sick? And taking longer to heal? And then getting sick again? Why did my cough keep returning? And why was I feeling tired despite sleep? Why had my eyes lost their sparkle? And my interest in learning waned? Why was my energy depleting, more and more each day? And although my mood was upbeat, I was frustrated and cross that my body just wouldn’t do what I needed it to do – get better NOW!
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Until I realised (!) that the laws of nature apply to me too! And that Superwoman exists only on-screen. It turns out (again) that I am mortal and have a limit to my productivity.
Life has been draining at many levels for the past few years, culminating in some major upsets last year. And while the individual incidents weren’t monumental in themselves, they were unrelenting, and clearly took their toll. I was sad and upset for everyone involved and was helpless to do much other than watch things unfold. And regardless that our emotions can be rationalised (a strong pattern of mine), they do have an impact, especially on those of us who hold space for others.
And that is what I do, almost daily in some form or other – I hold space; for others to see in themselves, what I can see clearly in them – how amazing they truly are, even when they’re feeling broken and frail. I see what’s possible – crystal clear.
But no one can fill from an empty vessel. So it’s time for me to hold space; for myself – to be still and to heal, to ask questions and seek answers but most importantly, to spend time in sacred idleness. To interrupt the pattern of pushing through and delivering and to replace it with rest and receiving.
Sure, I could keep going but not without a cost – to my health and wellbeing but most of all, to my integrity. Just now, Pause needs Stop. I hope you understand.
Ashleigh xx
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"If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit."
~ Banksy
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For the Interested...
I love learning and I love this site.
There’s always a link to a great article, a new idea or just some food for thought.
Check it out - you might like it too.
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Suggested Reading...
Buddhism for Busy People : Finding Happiness in a Hurried World by David Michie
For those interested in any way in Buddhism, this is a lovely book. It’s author David Michie brings us on his journey into Buddhism and explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life and the profound sense of well-being and heartfelt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.
And remember there’s free worldwide delivery with the Book Depository.
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"I first met Ashleigh in a moment of crisis - she helped me through a period of severe anxiety when I returned to work outside the home after 16 years mothering full-time. Since then nearly every member of our family has been with Ashleigh and her support through exam years and other life stresses has been fantastic. Her wisdom and kindness are just as valuable as the remedies she prescribes. I couldn't recommend her more highly and consider her support vital in helping to maintain our family's mental health!"
S.S. - Wicklow
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Important Clinic News...
The natural health clinic is closed for the month of May and the first week of June.
During this time, I will be completely unavailable.
If you are a current, regular client of the practice, you will have been notified and given remedies and instructions to carry you through this time period.
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When clinic reopens, it will continue to operate three days each week. To facilitate client preferences, different clinic days operate each week. During the clinic closure, my phone will be managed only to take client appointments for June and beyond.
Please be aware that clinic is usually heavily booked and therefore I advise scheduling well ahead to ensure your preferred appointment date and time as last-minute availability is only possible if there’s been another client cancellation.
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"Those who judge will never understand and those who understand will never judge."
~ Wilson Kanadi
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