September… I can’t be the only one who finds this the most stressful month of the year. Am I the only one who finds it hard to say goodbye to the rhythm of summer, with its comforting warmth, flip flops and spritzers on the patio at the end of the day? For me, September marks the beginning of a seasonal change that affects my mood, my skin, my sleep and my patience. September is back-to-school madness, back to school gyms and arenas to cheer on my teenagers, back to the “Uber mom”, back to the “normal rhythm” at the office, back to a high level of anxiety and expectations that, year after year, leave their mark.
I’m not telling you anything new, I’m sure. We’re all in the same boat, or almost. And this notion of taking care of ourselves, of putting our oxygen mask on first to be able to be present for others, is nothing new to anyone! If we know that to stay healthy, we need to give ourselves the time and space to recharge our batteries, why do we find it so hard to do just that? The many roles and responsibilities, our busy schedules, the need to maintain productivity and efficiency levels – these are all very real and we can’t escape them. But we can decide to set up mechanisms or allow ourselves to accept new opportunities to recharge our batteries, to be in the present moment, to give ourselves a good dose of oxygen.
I have the privilege of working for Réseau Compassion Network. It’s an organization that values its employees taking care of themselves and learning about self-compassion and the source many benefits it brings to everyday life, in all aspects of our experience. This fall, we’ll be offering moments of centreing – one a month – where the only expectation is that as many people as possible choose to treat themselves to this gift, this moment of relaxation, reflection, meditation practice, breathing, and listening to oneself.
I’ll try to be there. Because I know now that these moments, big and small – in the morning before getting out of bed, at lunchtime as I try to enjoy the meal that gives me the energy I need to stay present and creative, or in the evening between two car rides – help me to become the best version of myself, day after day.
“If you desire a glorious future, transform the present.” – Patanjali (c. 2nd Century CE)
To see the invitation for our Mini-Retreats, please click here: https://reseaucompassionnetwork.ca/learn/
I wish you a gentle and compassionate start to autumn.
Dominique Philibert