Self Study is My Safe Space

How have you coped with the pandemic? What have been your strategies for staying safe and sane?

One of my main strategies has been to study. It’s always my “safe space” – to dig deeply into something. Those 12 years of higher education - plus constant professional development - reflected my tendencies, clearly! It’s been interesting to observe, while isolating at home with David and our cats, how I go back to that safe space.

And there is so much I’ve learned. I’ve been somewhat obsessive – taking online courses and programs, studying slow, mindful yoga and yoga for healthy aging, and more! It’s challenging to synthesize it so I can share it with you in a coherent way. I’m emerging from my (figurative) study cubicle and starting to do that.

On a deeper level, there is a practice that the yogis call “svadhyaya.” There are many – and sometimes long – discussions about the translation (from Sanskrit) and meaning of this concept; I’ll share the definition from a Yoga U Online post:
“In Sanskrit, sva means ‘self;’ dhyaya translates as contemplating, meditating on or reflecting upon. Svadhyaya therefore can be translated as self-reflection, self-contemplation or the study of oneself.” (https://www.yogauonline.com/.../fourth-niyama-svadhyaya...)

One of my teachers, Kristine Kaoverii Weber, has said that one of the messages of the pandemic has been the invitation to “go inside.” Of course, that was a literal message, and we’ve all had to learn to cope with that. But there is also a metaphorical message – an invitation to go within, to explore our true nature more deeply and compassionately. And the good news is, there’s always that opportunity!

Yesterday, we got news from the CDC that fully vaccinated people can resume many activities without wearing masks. Here in Southern Oregon, the weather is warming (fast!) and more people are going outside. I’m definitely enjoying that.

But I’m still spending time going inside, studying, learning about myself, exploring how I can continue to stay safe and sane, and what I can do to age with strength and grace. I plan to share much more with you on healthy aging and slow, mindful yoga. Stay tuned!