Embracing the Energy of Winter

I am sure there are times in the darkest days of winter when you feel like hibernating! It is a time of hibernation for many animals. Plants die back and trees drop their leaves. Our Ancestors were undoubtedly more in tune with nature’s cycles. Winter would have been a slower time, when energy and valuable food reserves were conserved.

In modern times we are expected to continue to operate at the same frequency and with the same high energy levels throughout the year and in December the pace picks up even more. As we frantically rush around shopping, wrapping, cooking, travelling and partying, many of us can find ourselves low in energy, depressed, stressed or anxious. The truth is, for many of us, the pace of the festive season is simply out of kilter with the natural energy of the season. When it feels more natural to embrace stillness, peace and restfulness, we are encouraged in the festive “spirit” to do quite the opposite and we may end up wondering why on earth we’re not enjoying ourselves!

Yoga can help us embrace stillness in our lives, and to live in a way which is much more in tune with the cycles of nature. And this can lead to us changing how we approach seasonal events. 

 And when the pace becomes frenetic, our yoga practice can be something we can come back to even if it’s just to take a few moments breathe deeply and reconnect with the peace and stillness within.

On 13th December we will be exploring this and other themes in our Midwinter Stillness Workshop