A Season of Change: Notice Your Body's Quiet Progress

As the days grow longer and there are hints of spring around the corner, it becomes easier to see that progress isn’t abstract — it is physical.  The sun sets just a few minutes later each week, the snow is starting to melt, and there are sounds in the air of a few more birds each morning.

In physical rehabilitation the realization of forward progress is such a relief.  That shoulder pain that lasted months with almost no noticeable change may suddenly feel better one day! But that moment of relief does not mean that goals are achieved yet - even though the transition is finally palpable.  The subtle signals that we are progressing toward our goals are so important to our ability to keep moving forward - but they can not become the destination.  This season of transition is not one of dramatic change, but of allowing optimism and hope to subtly exist alongside the work that must continue toward the goals we have committed to.

Like that first day when you think you notice the sun setting a bit later, progress in our bodies may be nearly elusive at first - it shows up in how you stand, how you breathe, how you transition from sitting to walking, from effort to rest.

I invite you to pause and notice your body in the moments of looking forward toward the goals you can start to envision.  Stay present and appreciate the glimmers of warmth and relief that you physically feel in that time of hope.  Take a deep breath and enjoy the duality of this season of transition.