Written by: Gina Macauley
Thursday, 21 June 2012 

 

Downward Facing Dog 

Namaste.

Today, Thursday June 21^st is the winter solstice.  If you have been struggling with this ‘colder than normal’ winter (or is that just me getting old?), take heart that from tomorrow the days will get longer and we’ll begin moving forward toward spring. But first, we have to regroup, restore, and renew - ready for the burst of energy and activity that is the joy of spring.

When I think of winter I think of open fires, cups of tea (or hot chocolate), a good book AND Yoga – Yes YOGA! But, in my defence – I am a Yoga teacher so I do think of Yoga a lot!

But I agree that sometimes it can be hard to get motivated to move your body.  The cold and lack of sunlight can bring about what some people call the ‘winter blues’, but I like to look at it as a time for reflection and slowing down.

People often tell me that they can’t be bothered doing anything in winter. To me, this is the body’s natural way of saying slow down, draw in and restore your energy. It is happening all around us in nature, why should we be any different?

It is the perfect time to practice of Santosha – contentment, being ok with the fact that you are feeling a little withdrawn. Sometimes we can be confused about this feeling, beating ourselves up because we don’t have our usual amount of energy, but in truth it is an opportunity for you to take some very important healing time for yourself. And to this I say Thank You! Thank you Mother Nature for reminding me that I need some time for me.

Yoga can play an essential part in your restoration.

Generally speaking, a winter Yoga practice is about pratyhara – sense withdrawal, coming into yourself, nurturing yourself, slowing down. Working with the breath and working low to the ground in a smooth way.

Here are some ideas for a winter practice:

• Warm up with some smooth vinyasas such as Circle of Joy and the Setu Bandhasana Vinyasa (stick figures below). Work mindfully and completely with the breath, allowing the breath to be prominent and to guide the movement.  
• Marjariasana and any of its variations. I like the dynamic variation here for generating heat, strength and balance (bringing the elbow and knee together).    
• Follow this with a couple of rounds of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and incorporate some stronger strengthening and balancing practices such as lunges, or the warrior series.  
• Finish with a lying twist and lying hip stretch, then Savasana - AT LEAST 5 minutes.

Take some time to restore and renew.

Over the next few weeks I will post some videos of some of the practices I have mentioned above. Keep your eye out. If you register on the site you will get an email when the videos are posted.

Keep warm.

With Love.

Circle of Joy


Setu Bandhasana Vinyasa


   

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Tags: Winter , Solstice , Practice

Categories: General Post, Asana, Practice

Location: Blogs YogaHara

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