Happy Holidays Dear Friends,
The winter solstice is on December 21! We will get a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes, and 44 seconds of daylight next Saturday. This is the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. It is a time of connection and celebration, rest and reflection. I used to be fiercely opposed to winter because I despise being cold. The three themes listed below are lessons I have gathered as I learn more about this season.
Three themes for winter:
Carry the light
Embrace the darkness
Get grounded
If winter is challenging, you are not alone. In our modern world where achievement is praised and self-care is just starting to get some positive press, the dark feels inconvenient and isolating. Remember every season changes! December 21 is the tipping point, and each day will be a little bit longer. Hang in there, and lean in to the ideas below.
Carry the light
This theme can be taken very literally, like twinkling lights and giant blow up Santas. Spending time decking your halls can add some sparkle to your otherwise dark space. Growing up I was blessed with wonderful family traditions at Christmas. One of which is a 13-foot artificial Christmas tree. Although there was grumbling (and maybe some cursing) while “fluffing” the 100+ branches and draping twinkle lights using ski poles on ladders, the result is always breathtaking. Mom says never to skip on the lights, and she is so right!
The more subtle approach to this theme is to find ways to spread joy and cheer. Baking cookies for neighbors, playing games with friends, giving to charities, and singing loud for all to hear are excellent ways to carry the light.
Embrace the darkness
As the days grow shorter, we spend more time in the dark. This is a natural time to turn our focus inward and reflect. Take an inventory of how you are doing physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Usually as I start to look inward I am quick to notice the areas that are not thriving, and I have found it is important to approach this work with curiosity rather than judgement.
Shadow work is a term used to describe exploring the parts of yourself you tend to repress, like fears, negative emotions, or traumas. This work is based in Jungian psychology, and it aims to align the persona (our outer self) and the shadow (our inner or private self). Some tools like yoga, meditation, and journaling can be used to explore these areas on your own if it feels safe and comfortable. I recommend reaching out to a mental health professional to guide your exploration and offer support throughout in the process.
Get grounded
Grounding is reconnecting yourself with the earth energy. Connecting with nature is a great way to ground. Hiking in a dormant forest, skiing in the mountains, or stargazing are awesome options. If you get the opportunity to enjoy these activities, I invite you to take a moment to check in and feel what shifts in these moments. If you also prefer the warm indoors, consider bring nature inside to you! Evergreen trees, garlands, and holly are classics. You may even feel close to nature watching a yule log fire. A lot of varieties of citrus are in season this time of year. Gifting and enjoying these fruits always make me think of sunny places.
Grounding is also tuning into your needs and taking actions to care for yourself. This might be making time for a much-needed spa day, or it could include nourishing your body within your daily routine. Here is a great way to include the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, or better year New Year’s intentions. Setting intentions for yourself to return to throughout the year to care for yourself in body, mind, and spirit.
Thank you so much for reading! I am looking forward to the seasons and growth ahead. Check out the December Newsletter for opportunities to connect with the community, find a balance that serves you, and dive deeper into your yoga journey. I wish you and yours a very merry holiday season!
In peace & with great joy,
Chelsey
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