Taking time to Marinate

Do you ever take the time to let yourself marinate like a good piece of meat, or age like a great wine?
Our culture puts such an emphasis on multi-tasking, thinking on our feet, handling stressful situations, doing things in the shortest possible amount of time, being efficient, but do you ever take a break from that pace?  Do you ever take the time to be still, to rest, to really think?  I know you are probably thinking that you don't have time for that, right? 

I've started doing a cleanse day once a week.  The weight loss and release of toxins is fantastic, but the thing I like the most about it is that it gives me an excuse to slow down.  If I'm not eating than my reward is that I don't expect as much efficiency and productivity from myself.  I give myself the gift of time.  How can we expect to heal and recover when our bodies are constantly in a fight or flight state of being?  My cleanse day is my chance to give my body some pampering....maybe yoga, or a nice slow walk, or a nap, or just sitting outside, or a bubble bath.  Whatever allows you to relax and rest, is probably exactly what your body needs.

The other great thing is that it gives my brain a rest too.  Multi-tasking is all well and good, but for Pete's sake, know when to stop!  You can't contemplate or really think something through on a deeper level when your brain is composing a grocery list, scripting your next phone call, brainstorming ideas for a presentation, etc, etc.  The stillness of your body allows your mind to be still as well.  I don't know about you, but I can't think about 20 different things when I'm napping.  And, in yoga I'm so busy trying to breathe and not fall down, that there isn't a lot of space for mental distractions. 

The thing that has really amazed me about this process, is that when I actually allow myself the time to rest my body and my mind, I feel better.  Yes, I'm more rested.  And, yes, I have more clarity.  But I feel like I'm nourishing my soul a bit too.  I'm not trying to get metaphysical on you, but the part of you that isn't your body or your mind, the part of you that guides you or is supposed to guide you needs a little TLC too.  How can we find peace, joy, fulfillment, or anything else really important, when we don't take the time to listen to ourselves.  Your inner voice wants to talk to you, but I promise it won't happen if you mind is cluttered and your body is exhausted and toxic. 

So why not give yourself some time to marinate and stew in your own juices?  I think life tastes a lot better when I do!