The Equinox and what we need

We're well into September and tomorrow marks the Autumn Equinox - the point at which the sun shines directly on the equator and we (in the Northern Hemisphere) mark the start of Fall. It's a time we can feel anticipation - think squirrels hoarding nuts for winter - but also the need for more rest. In traditional Chinese medicine this big shift is explained: energy that previously flowed outward turns inward in preparation for the winter ahead. 
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I was talking with a dear friend who has a 2 and 4 year old this morning about restorative yoga - she asked, "what's the deal with that? Should I do it?" My question to her was "when was the last time you rested but were not asleep?" And the answer, predictably, was "never." 

Rest is the body's antidote to stress. But it's SO hard to remember this (and even harder to put it into action) in a culture that puts so much value on work, multitasking, always striving for more, and "leaning in." Rest, to many of us, is seen as a waste of time. We can always be doing something more important. 

But if you can find 5 minutes, resting could make all the difference - restorative yoga poses can turn down your "flight, fight, or freeze" response (that honestly, is the state most of us live in every day) and give the body time to heal, and our mind a moment of release. Need some accountability? Join a Yoga Class (here are some great ones at Circle Yoga!), text a friend, or schedule breaks in your calendar. 
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Is there another way you rest? Or do you find your needs shifting with the seasons? We'd love to hear about it!