hibernate: a state of minimal activity
I love the greys, browns, and earth tones of November. The cool, crisp air and subdued colours communicate a quietude that I deeply relish. For yogis in the Northern hemisphere, the coming of winter solstice can be accompanied by a depressive impulse that our culture encourages us to placate with sugary treats, binging, retail therapy, and other distractions that draw our senses outward.
This inward impulse is part of the natural rhythm of our bodies and our circadian rhythm adjusting to the external change in Nature.
In the winter, trees shed their leaves and much of nature goes into a dormant stage of rest, conservation and preservation. Just as Nature hibernates, so too must we listen and honour the inward impulse by lessening our commitments, reducing external stimuli and tending to our inner realms.
The inward impulse is extremely conducive to meditation and meditative activities like knitting, beadwork, drawing, reflection and journalling, contemplation and creative endeavors. Honouring this impulse can result in fruitful and satisfying outcomes rather than the cultural imperatives to shop, feast, and socialize which often leaves us feeling drained, empty, and depressed.
The darkness and quiet of winter Solstice makes it an ideal to retreat and go inwards; to preserve our vital life force for growth and transformation in the inner realms of the psyche.
Winter retreats offer an opportunity to unplug from the stressors of modern, urban life, immerse into wisdom teachings, and devote ourselves to practices that revitalize our essential life fore.
Retreats create space to hibernate from our worldy and digital engagements to re-assess, re-prioritize, and re-direct our energies so that when the time comes to engage with the world, we are ready, renewed, and clear in our direction and path forward.
Below are some suggestions for aligning ourselves with the external rhythms of Nature.
- Shed Commitments.
Lessen external commitments over the holidays to create space for rest, contemplation, and creative projects. - Unplug digitally.
Minimize, reduce, or eliminate for a few days social media and news to cleanse the mind of external thoughts and worries. - Harness the inward impulse.
Commit to inner practices or creative projects that harness the inward impulse in productive and skillful ways. - Nourish yourself.
Rest, sleep, and eat well.
Join me for two winter Retreats. Honor your inward impulse and celebrate the beauty and quietude of the season.
BIJA: Planting Seeds for the New Year
Dec. 27 to Jan. 1 2021
This online Retreat is offered on a by-donation basis!
Everything we do, say, and think makes a deep impression in our consciousness. Commit to practices that keep you anchored and balanced and plant positive intentions and develop positive habits to take you in the New Year.
Daily yoga, optional workshops, recipes to try out, and a self-care package mailed to you in the new year.
Details here– https://www.saltspringcentre.com/bija-planting-seeds-for-the-new-year/
Register here- https://form.jotform.com/202655406870254
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Seven Days of Self-Love
Feb. 14- 21 2021
Daily schedule includes yoga video, inspirational podcast, and a daily self-love practice. Daily themes include: reverence, devotion, joy, compassion, presence, and surrender.
Registration opens in the New Year!
