Welcome to Dig-In December
This month is about digging in to what you need with relationship to the natural cycles of the season.
With the transition to December we share a joy and excitement around the holidays, and a natural pull inward. It can be hard to balance the increased plans, celebrations and longer to-do lists with the call to rest and nest.
In this yoga series we will name it all as we move into and through this month of celebration.
Themes this month relate to natural elements: Fire, Water, Shadow and Light. We will practice balance in each class. We will bring awareness to the energy of excess that occurs at this time of year - and use our tools to return to center.
Let’s dig-in!
A quick intro into the theme of this month.
Week 1: Fire
Fire helps us stay warm. Fire helps us transform and move energy. Fire is the energy that we direct towards what it is we are seeking. Sometimes fire can overpower ourself or others, sometimes it needs air to grow and become established.
In yoga we should always be tending to our internal fire, keeping a steady burning flame that does not destroy, nor blow out. That fire is the energy we take with us into relationships. It is important to understand this energy so you don’t give too much away, but also so you don’t take too much from others. Fueling your own fire allows for self-care. The more you can establish your care, the more you can tend to others.
In movement this week we will focus on ‘core’ movements, which embody the whole trunk, front, back and sides. We will find a steadiness that doesn’t burn you out, but keeps you wide awake and toasty warm.
This heat-building flow blends fitness and yoga together to warm the body, strengthen the trunk and keep your personal fire burning.
Week 2: Water
This week is about moving energy and allowing for obstacles to be as they are. That’s right. Try to move yourself around those obstacles. Allow the situations, people, plans to be as they are, and you might find yourself to be more easeful this season.
Water energy is big, strong energy. It can help you feel free, spacious and unencumbered with the little stuff. That little stuff still exists of course. Ease is by calling on your water and flow mindset, you might be able let go so you can move ahead and around to find more joy.
There is no doubt December can provide both stress and excitement. Allowing for a smooth, easy flow to the end of the year may be what you need to calm your mind and free your body.
This yoga flow offers flowing movement to allow your body and energy to move around obstacles and call on more freedom. Water is strong and powerful, and soft and smooth. Enjoy a little bit of all of it this practice.
This week is about getting quiet and taking time to listen to what you really need. Not the voices that say what you ‘should’ do, rather uncovering your own deep intuitive understanding.
The Shadow refers to the deeper layers within ourselves. Shadows are not bad. They are simply an absence of light, always there beneath what everyone else sees. In this time of ‘dark’ as we approach the solstice, getting in tune with your shadow can be an act of self care.
This is a busy week as many folks are wrapping up work before travel or personal time off for the holidays. So the above is easier said that done. I suggest you make a point each day this week to take a couple of minutes of quiet time to sit, without distractions. The more you incorporate this into your routine, the more you will seek it out. Quiet time.
In the yoga this week, we are going to take it slow, and we’ll incorporate warmth too. Each class will have a longer wind down to help turn our energy inward.
This grounding, quiet flow starts with shaking off the dust and digging into the deeper layers. Restorative poses close the sequence. Pro-tip: save some time for meditation after this class.
Week 4: Light
LIGHT. We need it. We need it to inspire us, to lift sprits, to light up the darkness. At this time of year light is a central pillar of most of the holidays, lighting up the dark nights and cool days. As we enter this week of both celebration and hesitation (due to the ongoing pandemic), I ask you to focus on expanding your own light. Not to mention reflect back the light you gain from loved ones near and far.
Make it simple this week. See how you can add a touch of celebration to each day, with a candle, music, and shared words of support and kindness. We are approaching, and will soon pass through the winter solstice. Each day climbing out of the darkest days minute by minute. How can you make each day sparkle this week?
Our yoga will be celebratory as well. Light, accessible, fun, and uplifting. We will move, breath and revive our energy to feel lighter and more free.
This warming yoga flow will help you move energy, feel better, and bring in lightness. We move through two sequences of sun salutations mixed with a variety of warming, yet accessible movements.