YogaLifeMore

I have written this post as an email for my subscribers this morning, from my parents’ house in Italy, while visiting family for the holidays, staying closer to those that really need me at this time.

I instead thought, coming to the end of the email, that this is an important message that needs to be shared with everyone. That’s why you will find it between my “Posts”.

I invite you anyway to subscribe to my Yoga Blog  to receive more like these, personal letters, deeper explanations of holistic practices, traditions and discoveries.

Enjoying the reading and Happy Winter Solstice and Meditation Day!

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Today, December 21, is the winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere (aka Yule): the longest night of the year and the International Meditation Day, so many reasons to celebrate and be grateful for.

Days start getting longer and the night shorter.

I invite you to embrace Yule’s symbolism of renewal and rebirth, a celebration of the return of light, echoing the Yoga’s principle of balance and harmony.

Yule reminds us of the cyclical nature of life that it represents in Yoga philosophy transformation and growth and, as the light comes back, it inspires introspection, self-reflection and illumination, mirroring yoga’s pursuit of inner awareness.

Here is some of the main Yule’s traditions that you can replicate:

–           Decorating with Evergreens      

Symbolizing life and fertility

 –           Lighting candles and fires

Representing the return of light

 –           Fasting and celebrating

Gathering with family and friends

 –           Setting intentions:

Envisioning goals and desires for the new year

Coming back to physical yoga practices, I invite you during this transition to focus on a gentle flow that can nurture rejuvenation, embrace stillness and quiet. A beautiful idea could be to attend a Restorative candlelight class for example.

Meditation is certainly a powerful tool to cultivate our inner peace and open our mind to more light. 

To honor this special day, I am sharing 3 different techniques to help you cultivate inner light and warmth:

– Breath Renewal: This practice combines conscious breathing, visualization and intention setting to welcome the new and release the old.

– Candlelight meditation : Calming an introspective practice that combines the soothing ambiance of candlelight with the benefit of the meditation. Gazing softly at the candle flame, noticing the changes, the warmth, the colors, the shades. You can repeat a mantra to yourself (such as “I am calm and peaceful”).

– Solstice visualization (This technique helps you to visualize during the meditation winter landscapes, sun rising on the horizon casting a warm golden light that radiates on and in your body)

Note:

If you want to explore meditation techniques, follow me on Eventbrite for the next Events and Subscribe to my Blog to receive more insight and be the first to read my next Blog Posts about them.

As we are also approaching the end of this year, this can be the perfect timing for journaling, here you have some questions you can reflect on:

–           What aspects of your life need renewal?

–           How can I nurture self-care and inner illumination during the darkest time of the year?

–           What inner illumination do you seek?

–           What challenges have I overcome and what strengths have I discovered?

–           What intentions do I set for the new year, aligning with my values and heart?

Extra journaling prompts:

–           Describe a personal experience of transformation or growth. How has it shaped you?

–           Imagine yourself as a beacon of light. What qualities do you embody?

–           Reflect on your relationships: How can you cultivate more love, harmony and balance?

–           Envision your ideal self-care practice. What nourishes the most, your body, mind and soul?

–           Write about a challenging situation. How can you approach it with more light and compassion?

–           What are your accomplishments and joys from the last year?

I take this time to remind you that the holiday season offers a beautiful opportunity to pause, breathe and connect with your inner self.

We do not need to “finish strong”. Even if this time of the year comes with tons of things to do, just try to take a moment to pause and remember that slowing down, it doesn’t mean to fail, it means we recognize our worth and we prioritize our well-being.

I wish you peace, love and light this holiday season.

May your reflection guide you forward growth, renewal and inner peace and remember that, every moment is a fresh beginning.

                            “” The ultimate goal of Yoga is not to acquire a specific state but to discover the radiant light that is already within you”” B.K.S. Iyengar        

I am grateful to all of you. Happy holidays and happy New Year!

Elisa/ YogaLifeMore