Winter Solstice marks the return of the sun and the seasonal shift from autumn into winter. From late September’s Fall Equinox until Winter Solstice, on or around Dec 21, the days fall shorter while the hours of night and darkness quietly grow longer. In acknowledgment of this seasonal truth, many holidays and rituals across cultures at this time of year incorporate themes of light (such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Lantern Festivals, Christmas, Winter Solstice, and New Years).
In Taoist Yoga Practice, winter, the season of the Water Element, both represents and supports the very heart of life-force energy pulsing through all living beings. Cultivation practices that nurture the prana or qi, fan this internal light, revitalizing and restoring the body, mind, and spirit from the inside outward.
Emotionally, take time for inward reflection on the past year and flush out residual negativity. A yoga practice can be so effective for the internal processing and clearing out of past experiences held captive as discomfort in the body, discouraging thoughts that incessantly loop inside the head, and an overall depletion in spirit.
Next, shift focus onto rebirth and growth for the year ahead. Deliberately holding an intention in the mind before, during, and after pranayama (breath-work), asana (posture), and meditation is an easy tool to help nurture the internal life-force flame.
Channel the energy of Winter Solstice to feel restored now and in the days ahead.
Join us virtually for a short Winter Solstice Meditation December 18 at 5:30 pm. Registration required.