Go With God
Surrender To Your Body
I’ve been meaning to write this piece for quite some time now.
A piece about what’s helped me move through the pain and agony of burnout.
A piece I’ve felt all kinds of ways about.
“Am I an imposter for writing this, when some days, I am still going through it?”
“Have I really overcome it, to truly help others?”
The truth is, I don’t have all the answers.
I just have my truth to share.
I hope this piece will bring some light to you, as you navigate through the messy, uncomfortable and confusing period that is burnout.
About a year ago, this inward journey started for me.
One in which I was called to deeply let go of parts of me, that once felt like a shield of protection.
During this time, I’ve learned some key do’s and don’ts, that I hope will help you move with ease through your journey.
Let’s start with this.
Burnout is a disease.
It’s not something that happens overnight.
It occurs because of months, and years, of constant self-abandonment, and overriding of our body.
Putting should’s over want to’s, and putting others over ourselves, slowly starts eating us from the inside, until one day, we crack open.
We break because we can’t hold the fort anymore.
We break because we’re grieving, and feel drained by doing so.
It’s a constant battle with our body, wanting it to be more.
Something I’ve learned over time is, the body always knew.
The body knew what felt like force, and didn’t soothe it.
The body knew what kept me small, and trapped in loops.
Yet, for some reason, I kept choosing it.
I guess I didn’t know better, and, that’s okay.
Here’s what I do know now:
The body comes first - When I am feeling tired, anxious, or overwhelmed, I know what is needed. To cater to my body.
To slow down, and keep trusting my pace.
To be patient, even when I want to run.
Joy is my healer - During this period of uncertainty and despair, prioritizing joy has been the KEY.
Going out, and meeting people.
Doing more of the things I love (padel is one of them).
Has brought me so much love, peace and softness.
And has helped me move through tough moments, with a little more ease.
Love is here - All around you. In your family. In your friends.
Allow yourself to receive it.
You don’t have to go through this alone.
These three ingredients helped me massively to get to where I am.
A bit better than how I was a few months ago.
And, what I do know now, is that my body is my temple.
It is always speaking to me, and warning me when something is too much.
Burnout brought me this awareness.
The ability to slow down and notice.
“Am I going to fast?”
“Am I overriding my body?”
“Am I resisting the now?”
It happens in subtle queues.
The mind gets foggy, the hands get tight.
The chest contracts, and the shoulders brace in.
And, that’s when I notice.
That’s when I see that the body says stop.
“Please… go slower, be kind, choose love.”
And now, I listen.
Now, I trust that to go with god, is to bow down to this body.
To love its pace.
And, to honour its wisdom, everyday.
Happy Guru Purnima to all of you.
Today is a very special day in our Hindu culture. One in which we bow down and thank all of our Guru’s (divine masters that help us live in truth), for all the love and awareness that they bring into our lives.
Today, I wish to thank my body.
My guru.
With love,
Avi