December
These next few weeks are the least daylight ones. It can feel like I barely open the blinds before I close them again. I am also grateful my neighbors adorn their houses with Christmas lights allowing for a peaceful glow. The pace of December seems quite counter-intuitive to what our bodies actually need. All of nature settles into a quieter life, but we humans crank up the pace. I do wonder if a lot of why we tend to get sick this time of year is because our bodies need a little more rest, a lot less stress and we're not particularly good at allowing for either.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating no movement. In fact, moving our bodies is so good for our physical and emotional health all year round. So, please continue coming to class! :) When we move our bodies, we can settle into rest much more comfortably, like having seasonal rituals that tune us to nature and remind us we are a part of the natural world.
A few of mine:
An every-afternoon-hot-mug-of-tea-break.
Having a candle lit at my desk when working.
When I walk Harper, I pray and give thanks for the very season and the beauty on our walks. Having a dog has awakened me to the subtle and the grace inside a grey day.
Christmas shopping with Todd. We hold hands and a Starbucks and find the best gifts together.
Knitting a bit.
Reading a little bit longer.
De-clutter. Is there a coat I can give away?
Cozy pajamas and extra thick socks.
An earlier bedtime, an extra blanket on the bed and my heart is filled with gratitude for warmth.
This December, let's give ourselves the gifts of small rituals saved just for winter, a little joy-filled movement and built in pause...sounds a little like yoga!
See you there,
Jill 🧦