Solstice

Yesterday was this year's Winter Solstice, most commonly recognized as our longest night of the year, and also the beginning of the suns's path northward and towards longer days and eventually, Summer. Being a gardener for several years, the Solstice has always held importance to me in regards to planting and harvesting, but yesterday evening I found new meaning for this event with my yoga practice, as I did my own 108 Sun Salutes to recognize this pause in the sun's path.

As a good friend of mine and a fellow yogi says, "108 of anything begins to touch the realm of excess," so I carefully proceeded through this ancient act of a set of basic postures that anyone can do in any way they choose. The importance comes from the intention with which one practices them, and my intention last night was to allow myself to truly feel the depth of gratitude I have for the many, many blessings in my life.

One set of postures I dedicated to my mother, one to my brother and his girlfriend, one to my amazing husband, and one to my new kidney and my ever-improving health. I set an intention through each to feel thanks for these people and things that have supported me over the past year. I view my physical yoga practice as a full-body rejoicing of my ability to move, to have health, and of the gift of every day. I am deeply grateful for my many gifts this Christmas, and my experience on my yoga mat yesterday fully soldified this year's intention for the holiday.

Comments

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m deeply grateful for my many gifts this Christmas,