It’s a funny thing how much of life we spend on auto pilot, auto movement, going through the motions. Even when we try to slow down we often do it by immersing ourselves in something, from reading to watching television, that perpetuates that state of absorption rather than reflection.

This week I was busy with family, taking two of our little ones on “adventures” from the zoo to the Science Center. We baked cookies, did crafts, took walks, swam (did a lot of laundry and dishwasher loads!) and had a great time. There were so many wonderful moments that I could not even begin to compile them all and I am grateful for the gift of each and every one of them.

But one moment really resonated with me on a different level. I took the kids to paint pottery at one of those “paint your own” places. Each of them picked a piece and their paints and gave some real thought to their design. And I, for the first time in many trips to those kinds of places, chose a piece to paint myself.

I am, by no means, an artist. The best I can do is a repetitive doodle and even that is pretty mundane, but I chose my colors, picked out my brushes and let myself just play with color and design. I had no pre-conceived notions, no end point in mind, just let myself be free.

And I found myself more absorbed by this work than even the kids were. I found the opportunity to create with no rules and no expectations to be so welcome. I found a real joy in doing something that would result in a tangible outcome, so unlike the intangibles I deal with every day. I found myself feeling focus and peace and calm in a way I rarely do.

When I teach yoga, I often tell my yogis that movement (asana) is all about allowing our minds to be free and I ask them if they’ve ever found that to be true. Have you found the solution to a problem while taking a shower or had a creative thought while washing the dishes? I often say that when our bodies are busy, our minds can be more focused.

I was surprised to find that freedom in painting pottery. But I did. And it reminded me how important it is for all of us to step outside of our comfort zones, to let go of our “very important priorities” for even a few minutes, to not just allow, but encourage. ourselves to let go and feel free. In that way, we can fill and refill our full hearts.