This week … and New Year
I have finally reached a point where I cannot deny it’s almost Christmas. I am more drawn to the Winter Solstice and the celebration of the returning of the light alongwith the continuation of withdrawal and dreaming; the planting of new ideas and wisdoms to be grown as the light returns. The Solstice is at the end of the week. There are various articles and programmes about what is and what is not a Solstice tradition. A friend and I have made our own! I find it deeply restorative and it’s a moment to be part of time and the universe, not separate to it. In terms of the breath, this is the time of the pause after the exhale, the BK / empty pot. In this moment, we can let go of habits and holdings that are restrictive rather than supportive. It’s a powerful moment to enjoy a pause and observe. You may be surprised what it is your mind suggests you let go of.
This is my final week of work and them I am on holiday until 7 January 2019. My diary is full this week but sometimes clients have to cancel so let me now if you were hoping to book in and I will contact you if a space becomes available.
Yoga returns for a six week term on Wednesday 9 January at 1800 and 1930. Please see Yanley Yoga for information.
Yoga practice: I have not managed to film a practice. Technology failed me, or I failed it. I will try again in the New Year. In the meantime, here’s a practice to allow you to ease into the Solstice and take some time out especially if Christmas is a busy celebration for you. Hopefully the postures will be familiar and the notation is self-explanatory. Do ask if you are unsure. Allow your body to explore the postures and keep the breathing gentle, be mindful without challenging the breath but slow enough for the body and mind to connect and dissolve into the stillness of this time of year. And remember to pause particularly after the exhale. Let go and observe without judgement.
In January I will open bookings for the Morning Retreat on Sunday 17 February. I am not running a residential retreat next year. Would you be interested in a day at Yanley Court? And if so, what time of year would that be? Does it have to be a weekend for you? Let me know your thoughts.
I am continuing to develop my reiki teaching and aspects of elemental healing. I teach reiki to support you to develop your own mindful practice and grow an awareness of what nurtures you and how to be in relationship with your environment. Not dissimilar to yoga practice. Here’s a link to read more about the spaces on offer: Reiki Spaces. Always happy to talk about these ideas. Curiosity is often the first reason for a conversation.
Thank you for spending the year with me. However you celebrate this time of year, I hope it’s full of laughter, love and time to reflect.
Much love, Yvonne
One Comment on “This week … and New Year”
Thank you Yvonne.
For me Christmas and the Solstice are very much the same thing. I know that the Christian Church highjacked the earlier festival in an attempt to show that humans can help in bringing light into a dark world by giving and forgiving. The trouble is we all try too hard. So the glare of fairy lights gets ever brighter and the number of presents ever greater.
I have been felled by another asthma attack this week and have experienced a peace and calm that the business of Christmas rarely brings. It has given me a real appreciation of a winter withdrawal and I can look forward to a return of light and strength and giving very soon.