Earth Seedlings Yoga November Newsletter
Dear Community,
As we transition into December, the natural world begins to shift into its quieter, more introspective phase. This cyclical rhythm offers an invitation to adapt, nurture, and find harmony amidst changes. Let’s explore how we can embrace this time mindfully.
Daylight Saving and Adapting to Change
The recent time shift impacts not just our clocks but our bodies as well. Shorter days and darker nights can affect our sleep cycles, mood, and even our eyesight. Yoga and mindfulness practices offer gentle ways to adapt, promoting relaxation and encouraging a healthy sleep routine. Incorporating yoga nidra or evening meditation can ease this transition and reduce stress.
Navigating Stress and Anxiety
As the year draws to a close, stress and anxiety often peak. This is a perfect time to revisit grounding yoga poses, such as child’s pose or savasana, and focus on the breath to cultivate a sense of calm. These practices remind us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves amid the flurry of activity.
Nurturing Your Joints and Building Resilience
The colder months often bring increased stiffness in the joints, which can exacerbate conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Gentle yoga poses focused on flexibility and strength can alleviate discomfort and maintain joint health. Remember, regular practice helps build a "larger band of resilience," keeping you grounded and harmonious as the seasons change.
Breath and Resilience
This time of year often brings fatigue as we juggle end-of-year tasks and adjust to shorter days. Let your breath guide you back to your yoga mat, fostering a harmonious state amidst the busyness. Breathwork can build resilience, calming the nervous system and anchoring us in the present moment responding to energizing our body and mind.
Nature’s Cycle: A Season of Renewal
As nature rests in preparation for winter, it invites us to do the same. This quieter season offers a chance to reflect, celebrate the year’s journey, and nurture inner peace. By embracing stillness and practicing gratitude, we lay the groundwork for renewed energy and clarity.
Let this time of calm and self-reflection prepare us for the light and opportunities the new year will bring. Celebrate this natural pause as a moment to restore and realign with the cycles of life.
As we reflect on this season of change and renewal, I would like to share a short gatha from Looking deeply by Thich Nhat Hanh -
“Aware of myself as a part of the wonderful, interdependent existence, I breathe in,
Seeing that I become manifest under many different forms, I breathe out”
Let’s embrace November as a time to build resilience, honor our bodies, and connect with the miracle of nature’s rhythms. Together, we can move through this month with mindfulness and grace.
Wishing you warmth, health, and ease.
