This past Saturday, I made it home to New York. I had been working on a film shooting in Atlanta for a few months. I use the word “made” as in how I arrived at home deliberately. Not: skipped, bounced, bounded, or any other sort of super energetic verb. I was feeling inward and much more quiet than usual, and my little apartment welcomed me in the best possible, cozy way.
Some people may see the concept of recharging and knowing when to pause and take care of yourself as a waste of time, time that can be spent charging ahead or working or achieving more. Or that “me” time can be perceived as being selfish. But I know the opposite to be true. The extent that I am energetically supportive of others and can best perform all aspects of my work and maintain my relationships is directly in correlation with how much I nurture and support myself.
Our society puts too much emphasis on constant “doing”, without recognizing that in the recharging space you can come back to work, duties and relationships in a more productive, enhanced way. Whether you are a mom, a college kid or trying to make your way in the corporate, art, (fill in the blank) world, you may come to a time when you just push and push and push and then leave yourself stressed out and incapable of being the best you can be.
You never want to feel like you are just going through the emotions of anything, disconnected from your body and not present. Otherwise, life just starts to slip by. You deserve to be not only present, but passionate in every moment, and have every moment be an opportunity for growth and alignment.
On this last film I worked on, I was with clients all day long, working on dietary plans and cooking for them. At breaks between lunch and dinner, I would go shopping and get on conference calls for other exciting launches (there are not one, not two but at least three big projects I’ll be able to announce to you soon. Stay tuned!), work on emails, or talk to other clients in LA. After getting home from work, which was anytime from 7-9, I would continue to work in the hotel on the other projects or talk to and support other clients. There is really no separation between my work and my life. Everything from how I eat and all aspects of my lifestyle is breathed into my writing, my work with my clients and my upcoming projects.
Though I truly love exactly what I do and wouldn’t trade it for the world, or alter course if I won 100 million dollars, I can feel when I need to take care of myself and focus on personally recharging myself. Once I finished the movie and got back Saturday, that need was not just calling out to me. It was screaming. My neck and shoulders ached, and I just wanted to relax and be with myself.
My guru Paramahansa Yogananda uses the analogy of the body as a lightbulb that has electricity surging through it and needs to be recharged through meditation, right activity, and simultaneously not wasting energy in emotional chaos and moods. It is also important to truly recognize that the mind and body are intrinsically connected. When you experience stressful situations in work or in any relationship in your life, or have a lot you are obsessing or over-thinking about, or simply have too many things you are juggling, you body starts to encrypt that stress and internalize it. The foremost form many of us are aware of as the physical manifestation of stress is through a tight back, neck and shoulders. But stress also manifests in digestive issues of all kinds (acid reflux, constipation, gassiness, diarrhea), deeper back and organ issues, and accelerated aging. Michael Gershon, M.D, a pioneer in neurogastroenterology, points out in his book, The Second Brain, that about 95% of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut.
Over the last few years, I’ve become more and more aware and I pay closer attention to what my body is trying to tell me. I attribute this to my meditation and yoga practice, eating a super clean diet, and simply trying to listen more. If you listen to your body too you can start to learn a lot. There is so much intelligence in the body guiding you as to the best possible way to take care of it, and you as a whole spirit.
When I made it home I let myself fully unwind for two days. That means until today (Monday) I didn’t do any direct work (okay, except for a few emails!). I let myself read a book I wanted to read, that I found really interesting. I curled up on my hammock in my little backyard and also on my cozy blue couch in my living room.
I treated myself to a 2-hour massage Saturday evening, with the first hour being acupressure. All massage is useful in moving the lymph through the lymph system, especially if the masseuse has positive energy, but I love acupressure because it targets specific energy points. I actually had visions of stressful situations that arose in the last few weeks come to mind as the masseuse worked on points around my body. I could feel the old energy them start to dissolve into the ether, to be recycled into another form of energy, but most importantly rooted out of my body. If you’ve ever had a feeling in your stomach, your heart, etc. when you read an email or had a charged or emotional conversation, you can start to tune in to how life experiences take root in the body.
Walking home from the massage, it started to lightly rain, and I welcomed the feeling of the cool drops. I was wearing flip flops and a summer dress, so it was sort of cold, but after all the energetic release it felt like it was truly meant to be part of my cleansing.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is widely believed that “cold” and “dampness” can restrict energetic flow and warming substances can promote flow. After allowing myself to feel the cool rain, I wanted to get warm. I took a hot shower then made tea and soup. In fact, the last few days, besides GGS I’ve been mostly eating soup. It really just felt like what my body deeply needed.
I made my Delish Squash Bisque one day, then today a really simple mushroom soup in vegetable broth with wilted arugula. In that moment of reflection, I asked myself how to get energy from my surroundings, finding that inner essence within, and the message I received was “shitake mushrooms.” I do believe it is important to pause sometimes and ask your body what it feels will really nourish it, instead of just eating what you always eat for lunch or dinner because you’re used to a pattern. Allow your body to speak to you.
I decided not to reach out to any friends yet because I wanted to self-nurture and keep tuning in. Often, the best way to do that is in solitude. Then you can really hear your intuition and body talking to you. No, you may not be able to go away on a retreat or shut your family out completely, but even a few hours going on a walk or telling your spouse you need some time so maybe he or she can watch the kids for a few hours while you take a bath or meditate are all perfectly doable ways to incorporate these healing practices into your every day life.
Today, I decided to get an acupuncture session. There are two practitioners I really like in NY. I don’t get acupuncture regularly, and have never had to use it for pain or a specific ailment per se. But sometimes, like now, when I feel that there is an “energy leak” or I feel energy has drained out, I like to get a session as part of my recharging strategy. I am sensitive to the energy the needles open up, and I like the surge of chi it brings.
None of us should feel that the adjective “tireless” is one to aspire to. We are all energetic beings; energy needs to be supported and nurtured. If we run ourselves ragged who benefits? I am now feeling my energy fully surge back in, and with it more access to feeling powerful, overt and ready to pursue with enthusiasm all the duties around my projects and sacred relationships to family and friends. However, had I not taken my little healing hiatus for the last 3 days I doubt I would be feeling in such an empowered state.
I encourage you to do the same: listen to your body and what it is telling you, especially if it is asking for rest or nourishment. If you ignore it, it will only compound. And as you honor it, your inner alignment to the universal Source will strengthen, and you will be able to tap into higher and higher realms of your personal Power.
Kim, I really appreciate this article, as I am very sensitive to anxiety and have chronic fatigue. Many people encourage me to just push through then I crash and usually end up physically sick. I always try to take time for just me, even if it’s just a work out and a long shower, and I feel more like me! I love your diet advice but this may be my favorite yet! Thank you! And welcome back to New York, I live in the capital region!
Courtney R.
Great post Kim!!
Thank you Kim, I REALLY needed this. <3
Thank you, Kim, for the inspirational reminder. Going to send this out to several new friends.
Kimberly, thank you for sharing…the gentle reminder to ‘chill’ is a needed one. As a full time father, teacher, salesman and artist it’s easy for me to get and stay in the active zone without remembering “to put the brakes on the wheel” routinely. Your post came right on time. Make it a great day!
I think it is particularly poignant today in that for all of us but particularly those who witnessed two planes hitting two towers in NYC 11 years ago, this is a day of reflection. I feel so blessed being alive! Today is certainly a day to slow down and smell the roses and be so thankful for the little things in life that are so wonderful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kim as they help tremendously.
Please post some more soup recipes. And also how to gain weight healthy. I lost a ton of weight after going raw and am close to hospital weight but don’t wanna do it on junk. Please help
I lost weight too at first but I’ve incorporated healthy fats like nuts, avocados, coconut oil, etc. daily. You may want to check with a doc to see if your thyroid may be hyperactive or something. Good luck!
Thank you Kimberly. This is just what I needed to hear today. And a quick thank you for an amazing book and great philosophy.
Amen. Solitude is one of our best teachers! Thanks for all that you do!
Thank you for all of your insight. This article was extremely timely! Keep inspiring :)
I enjoyed reading this article. I have learned in this past year the importance of slowing down, but I have also learned that not everyone agrees with this philosophy. I know people who say that they ‘undwind’ by watching tv or hanging out with friends. This seems to go against the idea of being alone as you explained in your article. Do you think that different people need to undwind differently (i.e., watching tv vs mediation)? Or do you think that some people have not yet given mediation and ‘me’ time a chance? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you!
In our frenetic world, this is such a valuable point that doesn’t get much attention. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!!
Love this post so much. Came at a perfect time. Thanks as always! xx
Hi,
Can you please do a post on Anemia. I really need it. I have been dealing with this ever since I had Lupus at the age of 8 and now I’m 20 and still dealing with it. Please.
Thank you for this post as it came at a very much needed time.
I totally need to recharge & was glad to see this blog to remind me of what I have to look forward to in just a few weeks!! I have one request for you though Kim – Masseuse is sometimes seen as insulting or almost derogatory to Massage Therapists who have to complete schooling – I know it’s a French term, but in the US, we like to be known as Massage Therapists xoxoxo
Dear Kimberly,
Would you recommend a acupunture dr in New York City, please. I am suffering from acute case of bursitis.
Thank you,
Maria
Great blog, Kimberly! Thank you! The better we connect with ourselves, the better we connect with the world. What was the book you were reading that you find interesting? xx
Beautiful post, Kim! Where did you get your massages/accupressure and acupuncture?
I love this post!
Hi Kimberly would you mind sharing the two acupuncturists you recommend in NYC?
Love love love posts like this one. It is easy to think about taking care of yourself in relation to eating nutritious foods, but taking time to chillax isn’t as much of a priority for most (including myself!). This is a great reminder that there is no shame in me-time!
Beautiful post about recharging! I’ve been super stressed with work & family and have totally forgotten to take a little time for myself! After reading this yesterday I took a loooong hot bath then curled up with a warm cup of tea (perfect for the cloudy weather we’ve been having in san diego). And to my surprise my husand offered me a back rub! I went to work this morning feeling totally refreshed and ready to take on that new project I’d been putting off! Thank you for the inspiration! :)
What a great post. Exactly what I’m feeling right now – unfortunately, I honestly cannot afford to rest at the moment :( Relaxation seems so far away..
I love this post! As a mother wife and full time massage therapist, I have these days. However, lately its been difficult for me to disconnect. I’m down Moody exhausted and energetically spent. And as a therapist its even easier to become spent energetically. I will reread this because I need to find time to reconnect with myself. Happy mommy happy family! Thank you!
p.s. I have to agree with the previous comment.. as a licensed massage therapist , we distance ourselves from the term masseuse because it has other attached meanings not associated with our health profession.
What a great post Kim. Over the weekend, my beloved indoor cat escaped and he was outside, somewhere for 24 hours. During that time period, I was so stressed out and upset, knowing what a defenseless baby he is “out there”. Thankfully, he reappeared the next morning at 4am. I was up because I couldn’t sleep and now I feel so exhausted but happy. I know that its all because of the stress and fear of losing him forever and am trying to take extra special care of myself as well. Thank you for the reminder that we all need to slow down sometimes.
Loved this post, the way you shared about listening to your body. Thanks for the reminder.
Great info Kim. I am going to try and kept to this motto in the New Year. You have me intrigued on acupressure. Can you recommend a good place to go in NYC?
I really enjoyed this post. I think a lot of people (including me), forget how important it is to pause and be introspective from time-to-time. Thanks for the reminder.
Kimberly, thank you for this post. I was raised in a Christian home and taught that one of the Ten Commandments is to honor the sabbath day (rest!) one day per week! Well, yay!!!
I have found that being a member of a community of people can pull you in so many different directions constantly, that if i didn’t obey that one command (to rest) i would be so stressed! For the past couple of years I have chosen one day per week (usually Saturday, but I’m not religious about what day) & all I do on that day is rest. I usually sleep in, go to the beach, eat light, drink tea, read my Bible, pray, sing songs & love on my family! I make sure not to schedule shopping, or meetings or activities that require exerting too much energy. Some of my christian friends do not even understand this practice when I opt out of an activity that may involve church, but i truly believe that religion is the enemy of GOD. I am honoring GOD & myself in consistantly choosing take a break from the constant busyness of life once per week. I have come to the conclusion that my Creator knows me better than myself & HE commands me to rest! Yay, GOD!
I am so blessed by your life and the incredible wisdom & information that you share, so I just wanted to take a moment to communicate my gratitude towards you.
Blessings,
Shawnie
OH WOW, Shawnie… YOU ARE SO RIGHT! “RELIGION” is the enemy of God. I have felt like you for years, and fully understand what you are saying deep within yourself. Thank you for speaking the truth.
Thank you Kimberly for being the person God has made you to be.
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity to
your put up is just cool and i can suppose you are an expert on
this subject. Fine along with your permission let me to snatch
your feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post.
Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the rewarding work.
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to
this article. I wish to read more things about it!
Very good blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew
of any message boards that cover the same topics
talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!