Winter is here! Tomorrow evening or night depending on where you live, in the Northern Hemisphere (I think I said Western Hemisphere on the Yoga Podcast...hmmm...grrr...) we will experience the longest night of the year, some say the shortest day of the year, but I am a glass half full kinda Yogista and a night owl.
I have to admit, I am not a fan of cold weather at all. Where I live I am happy that most of the year the sun shines bright and warm. However, I used to dread the Winter season, that was before I started studying the moon cycles and appreciating the seasons of life literally and figuratively. Now, I understand that it is important to offer yourself the opportunity to create change every chance you get to continue to grow and to be adaptable and malleable. Let's face it, we are supposed to be the fittest of the survivors of our ancestors. Let's show some pride (ahem) and embrace this change knowing that "it too shall pass" as it is in life.
If you are new to understanding the Solstices, they mark the beginning of seasons. The actual word "Solstice" translates roughly to Sun Stands Still in you guessed it, Latin.
In the case of the Winter Solstice, it is technically a brief moment in time when the Solstice will actually occur. It corresponds to the instant the North Pole is aimed furthest away from the sun on the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth's axis. This is also the time when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. And regardless of where you live the Solstice (albeit not Winter) happens at the same moment for everyone on the planet.
Ancient cultures viewed the Winter Solstice as a time of Death and Rebirth (very Scorpio energy, I must say).
Throughout history, this is a very celebratory time of year. Gatherings of love and protection were very common. Some believed that this was a time to come together to ward off dark spirits. If you think about it logically, the loss of daylight can lead to symptoms of depression. This is a great time to be with loved ones, laughing and eating and enjoying each other's company. It is also a perfect time to practice yoga, moving the body and encouraging the mind to find peace.
Rather this is just an astronomical event to you or it is something more esoteric or in my case, both! This is a great time to enjoy some time in community with those who make you feel all the feels. It is also a great time to observe the sunrise this weekend, bonus points if you practice yoga and enjoy some Sun Salutations to bring in the season change.
Check out the links below for a Free Audio Yoga Class and Yoga Podcast Episode below!
So much is happening energetically right now. With the powerful moons that just passed and the New Moon Eclipse coming our way before the end of this year. Also, the new decade awaiting us all with the much anticipated 2020 Vision that next year promises to be for those of us being intentional about seeing the #truth.
Let this year's Winter Solstice reminds us to stay connected to everything that is good for our soul and let go where you are finding it difficult to honor your #truth...the leaves have fallen, we must experience the metaphorical death to have the rebirth we all long for. Let's do it!
Enjoy this weekend and winter season!
Check out this past week's episode: 20 Yoga Poses for Winter Solstice
Check this Yoga Class: 60 Min Sunshine Flow (Sun Salutations A,B,C) Perfect for Beginners
You can also download the Yoga Podcast by Breezy Bree for FREE on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Radio Public, Anchor and take me with you!
If you live in Albuquerque, New Mexico check out my Studio Schedule Here!
You can also email me at bree@lovebreezybreeyoga.com I am always happy to answer any questions you may have!
Namaste!
Love,
Breezy Bree
Certified Yoga Teacher
500HR Clinical Yoga Therapy
Specializing in Yoga For Beginners, Yoga 4 Athletes,
Trauma-Informed Yoga (PTSD) & Yoga Therapeutics