Discover the Secrets: 5 Reasons to commit to a daily yoga practice during the darkest time of the year.
Yule and Winter Solstice mark the darkest time of the year and energy can start to feel heavy. Read on to discover how daily routines can help you find comfort and lift your spirits during this cozy time of the year.
Winter solstice marks the middle point of winter marking the longest night. Soon the light will gently return but in the meantine, routines can be a game changer during the darkest days. Daily yoga routines can transform mood and energy!
This is the perfect time to make space for practices and traditions that help to lift the spirits, to nurture and re energise for the lighter days ahead.
Establishing a regular routine can help keep mind, body and spirit in good shape and we could all use a bit of that. Read on to discover how your daily routine can support you through different seasons.
1 Align with the energy of the season
Connecting with the energy of the season can compliment daily routines and practices. Adjusting routines helps us to stay grounded and acknowledge the parts of us that need some extra care. Nature knows what to do so taking our lead from nature is always a good idea. Just look at the trees, bare of leaves and energy sent downwards to their roots to prepare for the season to follow. The animals that slow down and even hibernate. It makes sense that we need to recharge too.
2 Create daily practices
Structure daily practices in a way that works for you and allow you to connect and check in with yourself. Having regular routines in place enables us to notice when times are more challenging and that is when its important to stay consistent. Having intentional daily routines gives a valuable structure from which to work and is a way of staying focused and connected to what we need most at any given time.My daily routines, wherever I am, whatever the season contain three aspects
- Movement
- Meditation
- Journaling
3 Change the content to reflect your needs
Change the content of routines according to the season and your mental, physical and emotional needs each day.
When I’m feeling good my routines allow me to recognise and celebrate this. When I’m facing challenges routines give me the space to go inwards and find what I need to work on. When I’m experiencing fear, insecurity they give me the chance to be ok with discomfort and work on growth. Creating meaningful daily routines has become a vital part of my health and wellbeing.
4 Show up everyday
Keep showing up, its ok if you only manage a shortened version on busy days. The act of simply showing up, however briefly will give yourself the message that you can stick to commitments and can follow through on your promises.
Including some non negotiables in your day can help cultivate the ability to show up as the best version of you, regardless of what’s unfolding around. A daily meditation, however brief brings calm and self awareness. Movement releases stuck energy and invites in new energy. Journaling allows me to get things out of my head and onto paper where things can appear clearer.
5 Develop a growth mindset
Journaling and meditation can be effective tools to cultivate a positive mindset and release unwanted stories from our head.
Finally Create a routine that you love, include your favourite practices, you’re far more likely to show up when you find joy in the process. Create a sacred space for your daily practise, make it inviting and comfortable. During this darkest period of the year, its useful to bring in some light, you can do this with candles. Working with a dedicated candle for a practice throughout the season can help deepen intention. Create a sacred feeling for your space, choose yoga flows that are a slower pace but good intensity to lift energy that is feeling heavy. Journaling can be enhanced with oracle cards offering thoughts to be explored.
Remember, showing up and checking in daily is a chance to remind ourselves of what we can and can’t control. Letting go of what we can’t control makes space for new energy.
However you choose to work through this season of darkness and introspection, will be unique to you . Enjoy the season of darkness, reflect on what is important in helping you find a sacred space where you can go inward and discover what it is you need right now.
If you are interested in building some transformative practises into your day, click the link below and I’ll send you my FREE Midlife reset guide including a guided meditation, a relaxing breathwork practise and an easeful morning yoga flow to get you feeling good.
