Caregiver University Conference: It’s worth waking up early on a Saturday morning
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Saturday is the one day I rest. I don’t work. I don’t teach. And I try to avoid technology. During this time, I move my body, nourish, create and recharge outside. Inevitably, life interrupts my day of rest.
Accordingly, I must triage: is this an emergency, and if so, what is the urgency or urge unchecked on my infinite to-do list? I have not mastered the tricky triage. Yet, when I do step away, even for a few hours, I emerge more centered and better equipped to navigate my life.
There were multiple health emergencies in my family and close friend groups last year. Even though I committed to my daily yoga practice, I did not prioritize my emotional, physical or psychological health. I did not paint or lie on the beach. I ate out of convenience rather than nutrition. And I certainly did not observe a day of rest.
We think we can grin and bear it for a season. My dentist vehemently disagrees! People like to tell me, “Oh, this is a difficult season. You will get through it.” But I look outside, and the seasons have changed. Spring has sprung again. Time hasn’t magically healed or fixed. And, despite my tenacity and energy, I am human.
There comes a point where we do need to “turn into channel you,” as my late mentor Larry Schultz would say. To step back and assess. Am I taking care of my needs? Have I been neglecting my own health (mental health included) to take care of everyone else around me? “Yes,” we answer.
How do we set boundaries with those we love so we can address our own health needs? How do we find support so we can take that day of rest, or even an hour for ourselves? We often hear “you need to put your oxygen mask on before you put on someone else’s.” But reality often contradicts this concept. I hear situations every day where the caregiver has no one else to relieve them. Where that caregiver is everything to everyone in their life. How can this person get a precious day or even an hour to themselves? How do I answer questions for which there are no answers? And please don’t ask ChatGPT.
I can’t offer miracles, answers, or unlimited respite. But I can suggest a change of Drishti – gaze, focus or perspective.
Connection at the Caregiver University Conference
Every year, the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center hosts a Caregiver University Conference in one of the counties that we serve.
This is a day for you, as a caregiver, to be around other caregivers: to find camaraderie and connection with others who walk this path.
Talk with other children, spouses, friends, and family members. Listen to experts in the field of caregiving, grieving, and end-of-life planning. Discover other resources available in your county. Eat nourishing food that you don’t have to prepare or clean up. There will also be an opportunity to move your body with yoga if you wish. Zoom out of your day-to-day life, and gain perspective, support and compassion for yourself.
I have been leading yoga classes at the Caregiver University Conference for the past four years. Every year, it has been an hour to guide individuals out of their thinking minds and into their feeling bodies with accessible movements.
Saturday is normally my day of rest, but I look forward to meeting you at the recharge station on April 18 at 9 a.m. It will be worth waking up early on a Saturday morning.
Randee Schwartz (RYT® 500) is a classically and creatively trained Ashtanga Yoga Instructor. She completed her first 200-hour training in 2007 with Larry Schultz of It’s Yoga San Francisco. A decade later, she completed a second 200-hour training – this time with Ana Forrest in New Haven, Connecticut. This Forrest Training deepened Randee’s understanding of how to liaise with the human body. Anatomically, she learned to dissect postures until they fit her students, rather than fitting students into postures. Somatically – through the lens of Forrest Yoga - she investigated the bio- psycho-social benefits of asana and breath work. From May 2019 to March 2020, Randee completed a rigorous 300-hour training with Marie Russell of It’s Yoga International. As part of her tutelage, Randee lived in Puerto Escondido for three months.
Currently, Randee studies classical yoga with her mentor of nine years, Aharona Shackman. Randee is deeply curious and passionate about the mind-body-breath connection. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, abilities, and personalities. It is her honor to share her passion and knowledge of this healing practice with each student she meets.
Experience the All Levels Flow Yoga with Randee on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center's Caregiver University Conference. Register today!