Dynamic rest
COVID again, winding up the year, rest and exercise advent, price increase in 2024, appreciation
We had another encounter with COVID this month. Thankfully all three of us had mild symptoms and recovered fairly quickly. But it has reminded me of the intelligence of viruses and their ancient co-evolution with humans.
When I am sick, I can almost feel the interaction of the viral RNA with my tissues, the way it changes my senses, makes me see and hear the world in different ways. How my immune system responds in waves while the virus slowly sheds and clears from my body.
So I feel less concerned when fatigue overtakes me weeks after feeling I’ve recovered. It is a complex virus and an intricate interaction. Of course it takes time and I feel tired!
I used last year’s notes on convalescing to remind myself of the process. And also to note how different it feels being sick in summer vs winter. To be able to recover with fresh air, open windows, sunshine and gentle walks rather than hibernating.
How are you feeling nearing the solstice? And winding up the calendar year?
I’ve been remembering Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith's seven types of rest - that it’s not always physical rest that we need. I’ve been trying to ask what would really nourish me in these busy weeks? And finding ways to prioritise those things.
I also love Katy Bowman’s concept of dynamic rest. She describes our culture as being more sedentary, but less rested than ever. And suggests what we need more of are movement breaks with mental quiet (rather than scrolling and binge watching).
I’ve been using her exercise advent calendar to keep me moving in December. And approaching self care and our family’s routine with pleasure, rather than efficiency, in mind…
…walking the long way home from school, eating strawberries sun-warmed from the garden, literally stopping to smell the roses that are blooming all over Melbourne right now, humming carols to myself, taking time to stop for a chat with neighbours and friends we pass in the street....
At the beginning of 2023 I introduced a community minded approach to my osteo fees; the option of pay it forward. You could choose to pay $15 more if able, so that I could offer discounted fees to people who were struggling to afford the treatment they needed.
About a third of my clients participated in paying it forward, which allowed me to offer half price home visits, bulk billed Medicare sessions, and regular low price treatments to several people in need.
However, I can’t sustain my business at this rate. So in 2024 I will be raising all my fees with the intention of shifting the pay it forward scheme up, so I can still offer discounts to anyone in times of need. This means your regular 40min session will automatically increase to $95, but you can let me know anytime if you need to pay less.
I’ll send a reminder message about this price change in the new year.
Thank you for being here in my community this year. I love offering my fluid thoughts, providing nurturing care and learning from you all.
I’ll be taking a two week Christmas break - back to work 8 January. I’m planning to eat lots of cherries, swim in the ocean, gaze at the stars and enjoy the good company of friends and family.
May you find many types of rest this season,
Emily
