hostmelissa
12-27-2008, 04:59 PM
On December 21st we celebrate the winter solstice as the earth in the Northern hemisphere moves into a period of inner stillness before the birthing of spring.
Winter solstice is the moment in the seasonal cycle when life turns inward. It is a time when true closure is possible, when we can empty ourselves of expectations (my friend Lisa says expectations are the beginning of resentment) and regrets. Winter solstice is an auspicious time to go within and meditate, reflect and nourish ourselves.
Winter is a yin season. In Chinese philosophy yin is the natural counterpart to yang. Yin is usually characterized as slow, soft, insubstantial, diffuse, cold, wet, and tranquil. It is generally associated with the feminine, birth and generation, and with the night
As we close out the year of 2008 with ongoing news of financial recession, we are being invited to let go on a grand scale. James Ray, author of Harmonic Wealth (http://harmonicwealth.com/), describes our current recession as the winter where we can turn inward, connect with our true and higher self, find inspiration and prepare ourselves for the massive growth of spring. You can check out his website Harmonic Wealth (http://harmonicwealth.com/) for advice on how to survive in today's economy.
As we approach the end of 2008 instead of asking how well did I do? What did I accomplish? What did I achieve? Can we instead ask, how well did I let go?
Sally Kempton (http://www.sallykempton.com/home.html) encourages us from moment to moment to choose, notice and release thoughts and feelings that keep us stuck, that keep us suffering and that cause suffering for others. This includes letting go of the idea that we can be perfect.
In yoga, twisting teaches us to let go. Twists help to release tension and toxins. The practice of twisting involves coming out of the twist as well. Twisting is the yang, coming out of the twist is the yin. In the same way that we can get ourselves into a twisted position, we can also untwist, or let go. When we let go or come out of the twist we invite relaxation and renewed energy. In this season of winter we can twist to create heat and warmth in the body and untwist to connect with the introspective yin quality of the season.
Following twists in yoga sequencing, we practice forward folds. Bending forward is calming, restorative, and introverted. We are invited to move deeply within ourselves and ease into the forward folds with infinite time and no ambition. In forward folds we practice surrender to be able to move more deeply into the pose.
During your celebration of the winter solstice I invite you to turn your practice inward for the season. Practice twists and forward folds and harmonize your body and spirit with a time for turning inward and letting go.
Winter solstice is the moment in the seasonal cycle when life turns inward. It is a time when true closure is possible, when we can empty ourselves of expectations (my friend Lisa says expectations are the beginning of resentment) and regrets. Winter solstice is an auspicious time to go within and meditate, reflect and nourish ourselves.
Winter is a yin season. In Chinese philosophy yin is the natural counterpart to yang. Yin is usually characterized as slow, soft, insubstantial, diffuse, cold, wet, and tranquil. It is generally associated with the feminine, birth and generation, and with the night
As we close out the year of 2008 with ongoing news of financial recession, we are being invited to let go on a grand scale. James Ray, author of Harmonic Wealth (http://harmonicwealth.com/), describes our current recession as the winter where we can turn inward, connect with our true and higher self, find inspiration and prepare ourselves for the massive growth of spring. You can check out his website Harmonic Wealth (http://harmonicwealth.com/) for advice on how to survive in today's economy.
As we approach the end of 2008 instead of asking how well did I do? What did I accomplish? What did I achieve? Can we instead ask, how well did I let go?
Sally Kempton (http://www.sallykempton.com/home.html) encourages us from moment to moment to choose, notice and release thoughts and feelings that keep us stuck, that keep us suffering and that cause suffering for others. This includes letting go of the idea that we can be perfect.
In yoga, twisting teaches us to let go. Twists help to release tension and toxins. The practice of twisting involves coming out of the twist as well. Twisting is the yang, coming out of the twist is the yin. In the same way that we can get ourselves into a twisted position, we can also untwist, or let go. When we let go or come out of the twist we invite relaxation and renewed energy. In this season of winter we can twist to create heat and warmth in the body and untwist to connect with the introspective yin quality of the season.
Following twists in yoga sequencing, we practice forward folds. Bending forward is calming, restorative, and introverted. We are invited to move deeply within ourselves and ease into the forward folds with infinite time and no ambition. In forward folds we practice surrender to be able to move more deeply into the pose.
During your celebration of the winter solstice I invite you to turn your practice inward for the season. Practice twists and forward folds and harmonize your body and spirit with a time for turning inward and letting go.