Well, well,
It’s here again.
On the cusp of the winter solstice, the first official day of winter; lets talk strategy!
Just today alone, the percentage of my incoming text messages that are about holiday stress and feelings of insanity is at about 90%. Even from the most stable people I know! Its crazy out there!
So, how do we get thru this season with integrity, grace and joy - as individuals and as a community?!
If we look to the trees, mountains and animals, we see some examples: death, blankets of snow, hibernation. All with shocking beauty and no complaint. Can we emulate?
If we could truly honor the season as nature does, we might recognize that there is less daylight, naturally slow down, snuggle by the fire, drink warm tea and have some deep winters rest.
But most of us live by a busy schedule, demanding pressures and extra obligations this time of year, especially during holiday.
So, how can we try to honor the outside season, within, in small ways.
Acknowledge the seasonal shift. First things first, recognize consciously things are changing. Winter requires different gear. Pause to journal, reflect and simply raise your conscious awareness to what winter is for you. We have a special ‘welcome winter’ yoga class on Sunday evening from 330-430pm to help with the transition,
Celebrate sensibly. Even joy is best enjoyed in balance. Pick your parties mindfully. For something seasonally different, join us WINTERfest, on the winter solstice! And for the new year, consider our early night new years eve The Clear Path Celebration! Think outside the box and allow yourself to say ‘yes’ and ‘no, thank you’ with integrity.
Slow and steady. Schedule your daily yoga. Don’t you dare stop now. Just one a day keeps the insanity at bay. (also, it a great thing to drag your family to as well)
Ensure deep warmth & appreciate fresh cold. Warm water and cups of tea are the standard to help keep your immunity strong. AND, bundle up around a fire and breath in some crisp cold weather too. Get 20 minutes of sunlight on your face. Walk around the park and notice the beauty of winter. Don’t avoid the outside, just make sure you stay warm!
Depression Warning! Beware! Tis the season for it to sneak in and take up residence. Keep moving, plan connection & guard against unhealthy isolation. Set yourself up some safety measures if you are prone to getting swept away. Daily practice in community is one measure that can be very helpful. Talk to another person, in person. Its too easy just to text and hide. Put yourself out there!
Practice safe solitude. Meditation in community is a great example of how to safely practice solitude. We may have the urge to isolate, which can be destructive, but we do need safe quiet space sometimes. Join us on Wednesday at 7pm for a gentle practice and a lovely community.
Appreciate beauty. Sunrise & sunset, holiday decorations, a new hat or shade of lipstick for yourself. Its the small things that keep us tethered to the present moment. Take notice.
Give yourself permission to rest. Micro rests work too. 5 minutes of breathing. 20 minute yoga nidra.
Have fun. Be silly.
Help others. One of the fastest ways to get your head out of the doldrums is to help someone. If you need an opportunity for this, let us know. We are a community of care and are always tapped into a list of people with needs or ways to offer help. Email us info@solyoga.org or text 301.788.5154 and we’ll connect you with a service opportunity.
Fly south. That’s what the birds do. Seems like a viable option for some.
Come to the well. Fill your cup. Stop into Sol Community for a cup of tea, literally, or some yoga, a conversation, a hug, a meal, etc. We are here with the lights on all winter.
We are in this together. Honoring winter as well as we can together.
Warmly,
Dorcas
