"The night was clear and frosty, all ebony of shadow and silver of snowy slope; big stars were shining over the silent fields." ~ Lucy Maud Montgomery
December 21, 2008 marks the winter solstice which jump starts the beginning of winter and it's the shortest day of the year. Just the thought of that makes me feel like this day is particularly dark and lonesome. But this wintertime doesn't have to be that way, especially after the luster of the holidays wears off and we must face another year with its challenges, stresses, joy, excitement and uncertainty.
Wintertime is nature's gift for encouraging introspection and contemplation. Don't you naturally feel like turning within and tending to your own personal business at this time? For me I feel less like watching tv and more like sitting quietly with a good book or journaling.
The solstice also marks the gentle return of the light. But until that light comes, we must keep it kindling within ourselves. How do we do this? We do this by re-connecting to our yoga practice, by re-connecting to our meditation practice and by re-connecting to our practice of breathing and being aware and awake in our lives.
I know these days seem darker than most years because of everything going on in our world and in our country, but truly if you can afford a $20 yoga mat, you have all that you need to transform your life and create more light in your physical body. And if you can sit on a pillow or comfortable chair for just 5 minutes a day, you have all that you need to create lightness in your mind.
I encourage you this winter as you are celebrating with family, friends and co-workers, to take some precious time for yourself and re-connect to those practices that will bring more stillness, light and joy in your life.
Happy Winter!
Susan
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