In the frenetic pace of life, it is important that at times we just stop and take a deep breath, clear the mind and refocus our energies on what is important. Being a spouse, parent, volunteer and professional are all important aspects of my life that demand attention and devotion. My mind is constantly going – a profusion of thoughts whirring around.
Many of those thoughts, of course, are work-related. I manage the internal audit function at a leading manufacturing company in Trinidad and Tobago. I first heard about ISACA in 2004, and ISACA has been a big part of my professional journey. I have served on our chapter’s board for a few years now and the spirit of ISACA is its members: a group of people shaping the profession and helping each other chart the way forward through all the challenges we face.
Carving out a little time to practice yoga is how I balance all that I have going on in my life. As you can imagine, this one hour a day is not always easy to find. I try to go with the flow – sometimes I do my practice at 6:30 a.m. or lunch time at the office gym before work (though that’s not currently an option with the current COVID-19 pandemic), or even late at night after the baby has gone to bed.
In yoga, the breath is slow; this pranayama or breath control promotes mindfulness – a honing in on the present moment. My myriad thoughts fade away and the exercises rejuvenate and strengthen my body. This creation of calm and clarity is an important coping mechanism in stressful situations, as I find myself better able to focus on the facts of the situation at hand and control my emotions from creating unfavorable “what-if” scenarios.
Before yoga, my mind is often going faster than I can process my thoughts. There is always something to do, think about and give attention to, and physically, I hold a lot of tension in my upper body from sitting so much. After yoga, there is a serenity and stillness where the mind is quiet, and I really start to notice things. My body feels fluid and relaxed, and my posture is improved. The best part is that I feel at peace and in harmony – physically, emotionally and mentally. It makes a huge difference. The clarity of thought helps me to address people and situations with calmness and objectivity. It is important to my well-being that I make the time to do something just for me – to just stop and breathe.
This type of relaxation is especially important these days. Like for many others, COVID-19 has changed my situation. I have been working from home for a couple months. Our country has been in a lock-down with only essential services. The situation has forced companies to re-look at the way they do business, and roles are evolving. It has impacted jobs, families, and our physical, mental and emotional well-being.
I really miss socializing and being outdoors. But in the midst of all the turmoil, I choose to see this situation from a point of gratitude – for my job while so many are jobless, for my health, and for the time with my family. I look forward to the little things – like enjoying my garden, tending to the plants and waiting for the mangoes and the plums to ripen so I can eat them. This is a time when our humanity can blossom. Doing our part and helping each other along is the only way we can emerge together, stronger and better.
And eventually, I look forward to resuming yoga classes. On Saturday mornings, I share this journey in my community by teaching weekly classes. It is a most wonderful way to start the weekend – giving back to others, creating positive energies and making a healthy impact. Namaste.