Embracing more light

With Winter Solstice comes more light. Embracing each day as we slowly gain minute by minute.

Recently, I was reminded of the yin/yang symbol and it's representation of this very thing. Within all things there is light, there is dark. And each of those things contained a counter balance between light and dark. They are inter-connected and truly cannot exist without each other. The same could be said for people. Noone is inherently all good or all bad. They are both, and contained within each is a bit of it's opposite.

I look to the solstice as a time for gratitude for every minute of gained daylight. I truly believe I am solar powered and in a sense, it's true. I find myself looking up at the sky and embracing each moment of glorious sunshine. I just wish there were more of it lately. My body and mind certainly yearn for the light, as I suspect just about everyone else does as well.

This time of year is also about accepting the darkness. Resting, restoring and refilling our own personal "wells" is of utmost importance.

In a time of world wide chaos, I hope that this coming transition from darkness to light bring fullness to the year of the horse. Allowing for movement, growth and fulfillment of wellness actions with steady strides and flowing ease. We could all use more ease and steadiness for sure.

Discernment of all things is a key component to yoga philosophy. As we look, see, experience, interpret, learn and ultimately grow, we must refine our sense of discernment. Even when it comes to matters of light and dark. And what I mean here is those factors in all of us, in our actions, our words, our thoughts and our intentions. We all know that we each possess "good" and "bad" traits, habits, thoughts, emotions. What I ask here of you and most certainly myself (or else I wouldn't ask it of anyone else, lest I practice this myself) is to not only question all things, but also practice your sense of discernment about "good" and "bad", "light" and "dark". Your thoughts, your words, your actions have power. Power to yourself and those who experience them around you, potentially both near and far.

May you practice mindfully and dedicate to discernment. Delve into light and dark. Acknowledge both and notice how there is a bit of both each other. May you be graced to find the space in between where you might find a bit of ease.

I'll be posting a gentle flow practice in honour of solstice soon. I'll post it to the main page of the website for anyone who might benefit from this audio practice.

Happy Winter Solstice 🙏🌅🎄❄️🕯️

In health & happiness, darkness & woohoo LIGHT!

Jo