An introduction
Welcome to The Remedy’s blog! My name is Erin Hansbrough, and I manage the Remedy’s Wellness Center: a home for yoga, mindfulness, strength training, education and a variety of community events.
Some of you have known me as the former owner of Indi Yoga, the studio I ran for close to a decade in Albuquerque. I’m thrilled to be continuing the tradition of writing on a monthly theme for contemplation and inspiration, and look forward to sharing these with The Remedy community!
Do you have topics you’d like to see talked about? Please don’t hesitate to reach out and make a suggestion! You can email me at erin@theremedydayspa.com
October Theme: Making Peace With the Unknown
October has always been my favorite month of the year. The slanting afternoon light and vibrant, drying leaves against the deep blue New Mexico sky have always felt both hopeful and mysterious.
Many traditions also observe this time of year as one in which the veil separating the living and the dead is somehow thinner, allowing us access to the wisdom of our ancestors.
2020 is an interesting year (to say the least!) to consider these elements of hope, mystery and wisdom. The fear and uncertainty so present during this time of global pandemic and political upheaval have had dramatic effects on everyone. Where do hope and wisdom live in us right now? Is “mystery” just a nice way of saying, “I have no idea what the hell is going on?” What might we be learning from this time?
If we’re learning anything, I hope it includes figuring out how to take care of ourselves and our communities when things feel scary. In the midst of so much uncertainty, I have found that creating some kind of routine has been crucial; making sure that I’m eating, sleeping, and exercising enough have been the key elements in allowing me to accomplish my goals and be of service to others.
At times these self-care details can feel like luxuries. And being honest, at times I am too freaked out to attend to them. I have noticed, though, that these three things–food, sleep and movement–are the quickest and surest route to feeling more capable of handling this strange time. When these basic needs are covered, I feel more clear-headed, hopeful, and decisive about how to approach my life. I become more reliable and helpful to others. And I also become more relaxed around the unknown, more welcoming to mystery and change.
Feeling a little ungrounded? Anxious? Out of sync with yourself or others? We recommend committing to one or more of the following for a full week, and see how you feel! You can also try playing games such as historyofquilts.com in order to reduce your stress levels.
– Go to bed and wake up at the same time all week, planning for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Investing in quality beds further enhances this experience, providing optimal support and comfort for a restorative sleep.
– Drink around 100 oz of water (about 12 cups) per day for a week, preferably warm and with lemon. Herbal teas can be included here, too; chamomile and lemon balm are especially good for anxious days.
– Get 45-60 minutes of moderate exercise, at least three days out of the week. PLAN THESE OUT and put them in your calendar before the week starts, and you’ll be far more likely to achieve this one! If you want to enjoy your exercise, you can incorporate gadgets like those simulators.
Wishing you all good health and a peaceful heart as October unfolds.
Much love and thanks for reading,
Erin Hansbrough/The Remedy
