Spring has truly sprung here in New Zealand with the dank and derelict condition of a fallow garden rapidly changing into verdant green, germination of vegetable seedlings of all persuasions and the uplifting color of perennial flowers coming out of their hibernation. Strawberries are ripening in the greenhouse, the gooseberry bushes are promising some real treats for Christmas, and we have more asparagus popping up than our household can eat . . . which allows us to gift many a thankful neighbor.

The fecundity of spring and the harvest that comes with summer, however, is only possible because of the long, fallow period of winter. This is when we lay up compost and mulch, and enrich our soils by planting green manure crops that regenerate our vegetable beds. Then the soil rests. Then we rest. It has made me think about the cycles within our Yoga practice that are so necessary to rejuvenation, and how often I encounter students and colleagues who suffer from a chronic feeling of tiredness. A tiredness that might be simply remedied by finding a balance between rest and activity, work and play, discipline and spontaneity, solitude and socializing.

What seems simple, however, rarely is. For it is the simple questions that often call into question the deeper questions about how we are living our lives. I am a recidivist workaholic and one of my biggest challenges is to pace myself; to have the discipline to do less and to rest more. To learn how to stop before exhaustion sets in. When I manage to find that balance the results are delightful. I sleep better, I wake up with energy to do the things I love (including my Yoga practice), and . . . I’m a much nicer person to be around.

As we move into the busy holiday season, I hope that each of you will resist the pull of this seasonal acceleration (it’s called the silly season for a reason), that fuels so much unnecessary spending and exhaustion. May you be nourished through time with friends and family. May you be gifted with abundant good energy. May you find time to rest, for however long, to bring forth your best self.

In Yoga,

Donna