As we head into the end of the year and holiday season, it's a great time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what we cherish.
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the cold of the season, we often feel scattered, unfocused, and depleted. Honestly, I want to crawl under a blanket and try to stay warm. I'm one of those people who is always cold. I have a big heavy bathrobe that is always on when home. It's more acceptable and much easier than wearing a blanket from room to room, hahaha!
One thing I learned and I found very helpful is as a yoga practitioner over the past 20 + years, a teacher and studio owner is in December everyone slows way down. Fewer people show up for their practice and we all feel guilty about it. We know we need to take care of ourselves, but it's dark, it's cold, and we're exhausted.
I'm grateful to see this first hand. It's allowed me to give myself some grace and be gentler with myself. I may not get on my mat for an hour plus practice, I may practice for 30 minutes, maybe even a quick stretch and tree pose throughout the day. One thing I don't compromise on though is my meditation. It's five, ten minutes maybe longer whenever I can throughout the day. I can always stop and simply watch my breath.
So give yourself some grace and do what you can. If you think you don't have enough time, take a peek at your phone statistics. You may be surprised how much time is wasted staring into it and realize the 10 or 20 minutes, or even hours spent on social media is time you could sit and simply be quiet with your breath.
Maybe a class here and there or a specialty session to reduce stress and anxiety is all you can squeeze in. Maybe you would benefit from private sessions at a time that works during your day. Perhaps all you need is a hot bubble bath. Whatever feels good: do it. Remember this, taking care of ourselves isn't an indulgence. It's a necessity.
Now my job is to give you options that benefit you. I deeply believe in the practice of yoga and meditation. So here are some options before the holidays you may find are just the right thing for you.
Today: Friday, 12/10 at 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Heart & Soul Restorative Yoga, Sound Bath, and Rieki
Tuesday: 12/21 at 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Gentle Yin & Yoga Nidra
Christmas Eve: 12/24 at 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Limited in-studio to 8 people. <<< click link below
Free Webcast <<< click here
Group Classes are canceled for our scheduled Winter Break 12/25 - 12/31.
** I will be offering private sessions only during this off week.**
Of course, there are many more private sessions to choose from on our Private Sessions page.
January is right around the corner! Boy did that sneak up on us quickly. So, plan ahead and take a peek at our new year class schedule, Yin Harmony workshop, and Beginners Course.
In February we begin our Yoga Immersions and Teacher Training.
If you are interested in deepening your personal practice or in teaching, the waitlists are now open.
Remember to give yourself some grace, chill, and take good care of yourself. Make a plan now to prioritize your well-being for both yourself and those who love you.
I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season :)
xoxo,
Marlena