The holidays are upon us, & research shows that (whether you’re feeling excited about the season or not-so-much) our collective stress levels rise during this time of year. Hmm, could that be why so many of us find ourselves with a cold, flu, or deep fatigue in January? Our bodies get so taxed that we have little left …
Here’s where a regular wellness practice can support you. Of course I love yoga 🙂 — from the physical practice to relaxation to meditation to lifestyle. I came to yoga depleted from many years of stress (internal & external), & have found that the practices are re-building my inner resilience over time — 10 years & counting.
The truth is, this time of year we tend to let go of the very practices that fill our proverbial cups physically, mentally, & spiritually … in the name of busy-ness, family obligations, or the “shoulds” of the holiday season. And we run ourselves down … & down … & down … BAD NEWS.
THE GOOD NEWS: Awareness can bring freedom. Are you letting go of your practices … viewing them as a luxury or an “if I have time?” STOP RIGHT THERE!
I invite you (& myself too) to take a moment — go ahead, have a seat — take a deep, smooth in-breath & out-breath — & remember. RE-member why you started your wellness practices in the first place. How do you FEEL when you’re doing good for your body, mind & spirit? Yes, remember that.
The intention of ANY yoga practice is to build steadiness & ease (sthira & sukha, from the Yoga Sutras). Your yoga is meant to REPLENISH you, & in no way deplete you. Yoga is not a “workout.” Yoga is a “working in” — working back to your big S Self, who you truly are. According to Yoga, that Self is a luminous, whole being. A spark of the Divine. How cool is that.
Commit to your practices this holiday season. Roll out your mat for a ___-minute practice before that family gathering. Sit in meditation before that stressful plane trip. Do what brings you back to YOU, fills your cup — BEFORE the stress/excitement/busy/go-go-go. Build your inner resilience, not only for you, but so you can go out & be a light to others in their holiday do-ings. Our Yoga can change the world.
*One more week of classes at The Ave in 2018! Join in — check out the schedule HERE. No classes Dec. 24th – Jan. 4th. Classes resume Jan. 7th, 2019!! (can you even believe it?!)
Erica Engel 