Winter Solstice Greetings
Rest – Reflection – Gratitude
Today is the winter solstice, a changing of the seasons, and here in the north this is the time that we move into a rest period.
Traditionally this is a time for learning, storytelling, and reflection. The longer nights and colder temperatures guide us to spend a bit more time indoors, and I’ll be making the most of this natural rhythm to spend more time reading, studying, and reflecting.
Particularly as we approach the new year, I like to use this time to reflect on where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I’m going.
I like the idea of consciously moving into a new year having taken stock of the previous year and all that I’ve experienced and make some plans (around those things that I do have some control of!) for the next year.
Not just plans, though, but how do I want to feel? How do I want to move through my year? How do I want to contribute? What do I want to create? How can I work with what’s happening now rather that fighting against the current state?
For us here in Ontario, the current state is overwhelmingly influenced by Omicron. It’s far from what we hoped for, and my worry-o-meter has cranked back up to the top again. I wanted things to be different for us all, and it’s frustrating and frightening, but in the midst of my anxiety and disappointment, there are a few things I am so grateful for even though we look to be entering another year in Covid:
- I have a home to live, work, and practice in.
- I can continue to share yoga virtually with some wonderful people around the world.
- I have a home practice space so I can get on the mat, or the elliptical machine, or pile up all my bolsters and blankets and take some deep rest.
With a focus on what I can do, rather than what I cannot, I hope to create, contribute, and experience lots of good things in this coming year, whether that be virtual, or (dare I hope?), beginning to return to face-to-face experiences too.
However this year evolves, with some time spent in reflecting and creating, I hope that I can continue to create safe, inclusive, and joyful opportunities for movement, study, and meditation, and I look forward to hearing how you all are planning for your next year of yoga life!