THE POWER OF A RESET
/What’s in a reset? How often do you reset? How important is a reset? What is a reset?
We tend to know, in a general sense, what a reset looks like when it comes to electronics. In that, there are times when our computers, laptops, wifi systems, and cell phones require a simple shutting down for whatever reason. But how does this apply to us?
Some of us know that we benefit from certain kinds of “breaks” from our day to day routines. It can be a simple as winding down after a long day, taking a bath before bed, or going away for a weekend. But what is actually happening, and how can we truly optimize these breaks, recognizing them as “resets?” A reset is a point in time that allows us to decompress, to turn off, to change our daily patterns so that we can have at least a shift in perspective. This is very important for our nervous system and our overall being as a whole. It is a time to take space and reconnect with ourselves. It is critical for our well-being especially with the lives/lifestyles many of us tend to live. The hustle and bustle. The rushing around. The chaotic-ness of responsibilities and duties. The experience and notion of not having time for ourselves. It is this place where we have to slow down and make time for ourselves. Breaks/resets do this. They help us to have a different awareness and can be highly inspiring.
In the classical teachings of yoga, under Patanjali’s “8 step process of yoga” (Ashtanga Yoga) there is a differentiation and understanding that these steps are broken down into Outer Yoga and Inner Yoga. Within the category of inner yoga we have what is called Pratyahara which consists of a “drawing in of the senses.” This refers to a drawing in of the senses and withdrawing from outer distractions. Dharana is the focus on one object of consciousness. This one object allows us to withdraw and take space from other other sensory related distractions. Dhyana, which is typically referred to as Meditation, provides us with a depth that can leave a profound and simple feeling. Meditation is not something we do but something that happens when we are fully in the moment and not focused on any one thing but simply being with what is. Not being pulled in any direction and merely being.
In working with these practices, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana, we can get more still and quiet in order to remember who we are at the core of our being. It’s this coming inward that invites us to take space and reset in many ways and on many levels. There are many ways individuals may consciously or unconsciously encounter resetting.
Here are some simple ways that we can or actually do take advantage of regarding resetting:
FOOD TIMES
We can slow down to see how taking a break to take time to eat our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners cause us to take pause from our day by basically focusing on time to nurture ourselves by eating, which is a fundamental practice that fosters our well-being. Taking the time to eat is crucial as we can properly metabolize our food and cause the nutrients to fuel our cells.
DIETING/FASTING/DETOXING
Taking a break from food that we normally eat is great for the body. The body and mind are connected and therefore, if the body is feeling great, the mind can be less encumbered by what the body is doing. With these food practices, as we withdraw from foods that are typically harmful and replace them with more wholesome and cleaner foods, we have the great potential of resetting our metabolic functions and systems. And be honest, taking a break from the SAD (Standard American Diet) can provide a great deal of advantages in the long run. In Ayurveda, we know that healthy body helps with a healthier mind and a “healthier mind” helps with a healthier body. They work together. We can see the modern scientific discoveries of the “Mind and Gut” connection. Ayurveda has known this for millennia.
REST/SLEEP
In some cultures, after eating lunch they take what is a called a “siesta”, which is not only beneficial for digestion by itself but also for our minds to take time from the day before resuming our working. This siesta isn’t like taking a nap or actually sleeping. It is similar to a gentle repose, with our eyes closed and senses drawn inwardly.
“Power naps” can psychically reset/re-inspire/recharge us to continue our days. Some of us may have sensitive nervous systems which can find this practice to be advantageous. Power naps consist of basically 10-15 minutes of simply going inward and powering down.
Sleep, which is our actual bedtime, is a way in which we turn off for 6-8/9 hours and go inward. We power down so that the different systems in the body can regroup from the daily activities. When done properly we can wake up feeling inspired, refreshed, rejuvenated, and recovered from the previous days. This is almost like re-birthing as we start a new day, open to limitless opportunities in each day. Each day is in fact unique! It’s amazing!
SOCIALIZING
Changing up daily routines, without sacrificing meal times, sleep time, exercise time, can be great for our whole being. Taking some time to meet with friends in a restaurant or bar, even just being by ourselves in a cafe settings can be important to our own self-nurturing and exploring this simple reset. During our socializing time, we can utilize these instances not to completely engage and talk about work dynamics and switch gears by sharing lighthearted or deep conversations that are self-exploratory.
TRAVEL
Getting away for a weekend, taking a hiatus, going on vacation for a week, even going on pilgrimages can be some profound ways to take space from our daily routines and reconnect with ourselves. We have opportunities for our senses to experience new sensations which can feed our consciousness and challenge us in amazing ways.
Equally, taking a walk in a park, going for a hike, camping, strolling around your neighborhood, can be some mundane ways of resetting temporarily. Nature, and the simplicity of being with it and within it (without the distractions of electronic devices) can be highly beneficial and “healing” for the senses and nervous system. By connecting with nature, we can reset on so many levels. Nature does us good!
OTHER WAYS TO RESET
Some people like to watch televisions, or listen to the radio, or sit with a cup of tea/coffee and read a newspaper or lovely book can be ways in which we have a mini reset. Making phone calls to friends and loved ones we haven’t chatted with in a while or chat with regularly are simple means to take space. Going to the gym or other fitness activities. Yoga classes. Meditation classes. Going to the movies. Other activities such as running, biking, and swimming can be ways individuals can take space as long as its rooted in pleasure and fun and light. Getting massages would be a fantastic way to have resets. Turning off our televisions, computers/laptops, cell phones, and anything electronic can be powerful for us as a resetting. (Personally, I highly recommend getting massages.)
MODALITIES
Some modalities that support this inward, deepening and resetting experience, including and not limited to, are: a relaxing massage (swedish), Marma Therapy (“pressure point therapy”), Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead), Abhyanga with Svedhana (oil massage and steam), CranialSacral, Shiatsu, Reiki, Thai Massage, Myofacial, Cryogenic Chamber, and sensory deprivation tank (also called Floating/Flotation Tank.) Whatever sessions provokes a stillness is a session to explore.
In conclusion, whatever we can do that allows us to withdraw, reconnect with ourselves and get to know ourselves better and more intimately, remember our joy, and simply turning in and turning on or tuning in and tuning out, we can come back into the world with a whole new perspective. This shift in awareness can help us greatly in our day to day experiences. The gift of life is in the mundanity of it, in each moment. Slowing down grants us passageway to greatness in the simplicity!
HERE ARE SOME OTHER RELEVANT ARTICLES:
AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON FASTING
SPRING CLEANING AND THE 5 SENSES
DIGESTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION
DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner and primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.