classes cancelled today + winter self care tips

Winter has decided to do it's thing again and provide the beauty of snow, yet making it hard for me to justify having yoga classes this evening. In thinkinig of the best interest of all, I have decided to cancel classes for the evening.


Winter Tips for Self Care

I will be the first to admit that I'm growing a little tired of winter. I'm ready for the days to grow lighter and the sun to shine more brightly.

Nonetheless, winter continues to hang tightly with us. For some of us that means dealing with the winter blues.

Luckily the yoga practice with it's emphasis on internal observation, mindful movement, relaxed breathing and accepting attitude can be a great prescription for dealing with the long days of winter.

Nature is asking that we rest and take refuge. To grow still and look within. Although we aren't having classes this evening, I am asking that you dedicate some time to yoga to restore yourself and rekindle your sparkle. Below are a few tips:

*Practice gentle backbends like cobra, locust, and upward facing dog earlier in the day to uplift your mood and elevate your energy.

*Do less today. Is there a way to reschedule your day that will allow for more quiet and opportunity for stillness? Remember, some is better than none. So perhaps some of us need to lower our expectations a little.

*Get the body going with a gentle and slow flow.

*Eat warm foods and drink hot liquids. Make a pot of your fave soup. Drink warm water, hot tea, hot cocoa, hot chai, etc.

*Take a hot bath with aromatherapy oils, bath salts, bubbles, or anything else that soothes and comforts you.

*Practice a warming, healing breath such as victorious (ujjayi) breath.

*Curl up with your fave book, heart warming movie, and warmest blanket.

*Practice a few longer, passive holds of yoga poses later in the day. Yin Yoga is a great practice for this. Here are some poses to explore. Have a notebook nearby and after each pose write about what you experienced. You can write about what you felt in your body, thoughts you had, discomforts that you experienced, etc. If you've never tried this before, you might be surprised by what you can learn about yourself.

*Give yourself permission to slow down and hibernate for the day.


Thanks so much for your patience and understanding. We are hoping to get back into the normal yoga groove soon!

Warmly,
Sharon

PS - Rebel against winter. Go ahead and buy a place ticket to Mexico for our retreat to Tulum. ;)