Winter

Winter Reflections

INNER WORLD SLOWS DOWN

In winter, nature slows all outward growth; the earth contracts, stops producing, and instead pauses to replenish its inner energy reserves. Our inner world also slows down with this contracting cycle of nature, and therefore we need to make extra efforts to ignite our digestive fires in order to prevent build up of toxins, enhance our immunity, and build our own inner energy reserve. During this time of year, our yoga practice should keep things warm and moving inside while encouraging relaxation and ease. We can increase our health through asana that address the organs of digestion such as the lungs, stomach, and intestines.  – Jillian Pransky 

AFTER WINTER SOLSTICE, THE LIGHT’S JOURNEY OF REEMERGENCE

At winter solstice, the darkest point of the year, light begins its journey of reemergence. This great cosmological reality synchs our biorhythms to the subtle flow of slowly increasing light. This biological and spiritual attunement to light is part of our creative legacy found in the many cosmological temples around the world linked to the solstice. – Shiva Rea

LESS ENERGY TO BURN

We naturally have less energy to burn during the winter. So when we engage in behaviors more appropriate for summer—staying up late and dashing around town—it’s no wonder that the forced cheer of the holiday season can wear a bit thin. – Carolyn Cohen

HARNESSING VITAL ENERGY

As we transition to Winter, I’m finding it beneficial to audit the correlations of cause and effect in my life, and to assess what will (or will not) be created as a result of my current action. How might you “prune” the tree of your life to harness your vital energy for more strategic direction and application? What would you like to cultivate? – Tai Hubbert

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS

Melina Meza notes that we might expect students to be experiencing some of these common wintertime qualities: feeling heavy or lethargic, experiencing blues, depression or stress, gaining weight and/or increasingly relying on chemical stimulants and depressants.

WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM

Our immune system may be weakened due to winter conditions such as drier air. In addition, spending more time indoors and in closer contact with others can lead to more colds and flus for those who have a weakened immune system.

Theme Ideas

• Cycles of Nature
• Igniting Digestive Fires
• Warmth & Moisture
• Movement & Routine
• Safeguarding Energy Reserves
• Relaxation & Ease
• Darkness
• After Winter Solstice, the Reemergence of Light