Skip to main content

Winter Solstice Solitude


     One of the most revered times of the year for peace and internal solace, the Winter Solstice is an interlude to elevate the self through practices of solitude and reflection. A rather colder period of time on the East coast, we turn to methods of increasing warmth and nurturing the body with earthly foods and brews. Finding the beauty and necessity in all seasons, the Winter Solstice reminds us of the need for life to be still, ruminate on the seeds planted, and prepare for their impending fruition. We amplify our intentions and focus on our goals for the future, giving them the positive energy and focus they require to manifest.

     Though personal contributions to wellness are encouraged throughout the year, emphasis is even more evident during this time as we are challenged with the elements (being cognizant of geography). The beauty of the snow covered trees and crispness of the air prompt our internal constitutions to complement extra care and attention to our bodies, minds, and spirits.

     We also celebrate the time of Yule, the Neopagan tradition of lighting fires to symbolize heat and radiance returning to the sun. Revelries in connecting with the natural world honors the sacred spirit and union in all things. Rituals and practice alter our consciousness to redirect the outer world to coincide with our inner landscape. Though there might be a period of darkness, it is temporary, and we are able to delight the return of the beaming and warming sun.

     During this season, I am more inclined to practice Trataka or Candle Gazing. Taking in the image of a still flame and “holding” it in your Third Eye Center supports the connection to self-awareness. Find a still and comfortable seat and place a lit candle at eye level. Focus your line of sight at the very center of the flame. Steady your breathing and see it in conjunction with steadying the flame. After a few moments of focus, close your eyes and try to “see” the outline and shape of the flame in the dark blank space. Hold this image as long as you can whilst maintaining your breathing. If the image is lost, open your eyes and refocus on the flame, close your eyes and hold the image once again. This takes time, patience, and practice to progressively extend your time. Namaste.

The Working Yogini

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Balance Must Be Practiced

I sat in a group yoga class years ago, eyes closed, breath even, and words whispered, “Balance cannot be taught… It must be practiced…” A light-bulb went off over my head and a smirk curled the corner of my lips. It was such a very apparent reminder of how we tell ourselves to remain even keeled but sometimes find the actual execution a bit challenging.  When I started my yogic journey decades ago, asana-ing around was a wonderful escape from performing the mundane daily to-do’s because it was new and aspirational. It was also very physical, not to mention the internal stimuli such exertion effects. Though it still carries this weight, asana has become more about self-development, as there are so many incredible variations and discoveries in the nuances of repetition that one body could ever master, even many lifetimes over. So, I continue to practice and build the connection of the mind, body, and spirit allowing the physical to moreover transform the mental. The balance comes...
1 comment
Read more

Breathing into the space You Create

It was once said, “A yogi measures the span of life by the number of breaths, not by the number of years...” ~ Swami Sivananda. Time seems to have an opportune way of letting us know that relationships and circumstances tend to be temporary and at the peak of its chaotic perfection in the moment. But... the Universe has an auspicious way of reminding us that what we are going through, what we are doing, and who we meet along the way is part of plan. I contemplate often on the current state ( avastha ) of existence, and wonder if everything we say and do is recorded in some cosmic ledger and balanced out with its appropriate counterpart to ensure we are in harmony with the Universe. And the tabulation of every, thought, word, action, habit is measured and vetted throughout the lifetime to allow the vessel to be at its optimal level. Perhaps, I might be leaning into it just a bit much, because it could also be as simple as, we are here, then we are not. And in choosing to abide to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reveling in Abundant Change

We have all heard the concept of change being the only constant in the world… Yet when the unexpected comes our way, more often than not, there is an initial apprehension and fear towards the unknown. Perhaps what follows is that awkwardness in trying our best to figure things out and experimenting with different methods (learned and new) to find our way. And, depending on the time and outcome, we revel in the aftermath, taking comfort in being more knowledgeable than before. I welcome change as a means of shifting from the unknown into the known. As I process and evolve my understanding, change can be events in our personal timeline that we handle as mini or massive projects. These events are, of course, NECESSARY as they take levels of effort and thoughtfulness, embracing them in whatever fashion and function. It is up to us, on a very personal degree, to approach these events with an open mind and a full heart to grow our perspective and increase positive self-development. For...
Post a Comment
Read more