Two weeks ago I got a head and chest cold and have been battling it ever since. It’s been a tough pill to swallow because I wanted to keep my swim, bike, run routine tuned up, and hit the new year with a solid base. But I’ve been worn down and bummed out.
The other day I stumbled onto this article, and it gave me hope. And let’s face it, what’s more powerful than hope?
It’s a piece by the Urban Monk that talks about the seasons being a conversion of yin and yang. As the Winter Solstice begins, Yin energy is at its peak but will soon be replaced by Yang energy which we should should ride with new projects and a return to workouts.
Sometimes this stuff is a little hard to explain, but essentially they’re saying not only should we be resting at this time, it is essential if we want to attack the next wave. From the article:
“So why rest? Here’s the rub. Winter is for hibernation. It is a time to be introspective and to gather all of our Qi so we can recover from the previous season…so we can have the energy and wherewithal to consciously participate in life through the next season and fulfill our heart’s desires. So where’s the rub? Look around you. People spend the tail end of the year getting drunk with coworkers in ridiculous red sweaters and frantically racing through shopping malls looking for plastic things made in China that promise to make our loved ones happy. Nobody actually rests. Any wonder why most Americans are sleep walking through their lives?”
I’ve always had a little trouble with holidays because they seem to hit right when I want to be crushing all my dreams, but in reality they are a great “forced” rest and recovery time. And holidays should be experienced without guilt.
Guilt is a powerful motivator but, like anything else, too much can derail the best of plans. So much of living right is about living free. Harboring workout-guilt can be poison.
With all the crazy-over-hyped “workout motivators” in this world it’s easy to get sucked into the 24-7 “crush it mentality” but sometimes is more important to crush a nap. And that’s exactly what I plan to do now.
Coach Robbie and I would like to thank everyone who’s listening to the podcast. It’s really gaining steam and we appreciate all the feedback. Please help us spread the word by sharing and from everyone at Crushing Iron, have a Merry Christmas. Be back with you soon.