Infuse Yoga Spa

As the holiday season approaches, I am shocked to learn that we are totally going against nature!

Today I was in a meditation training session with the beloved teacher Elesa Commerse and the topic of winter came up and how winter is a time of year when nature retreats within intself.

The trees have dropped their leaves and the energy or prana of their life force is tucked away inside the branches, waiting for spring to bring about an extravagant display leaves and buds. Likewise with the flower bulbs tucked away inside the earth, lying dormant before warmer temperatures encourage them to send their shoots up through the soil.

Winter is a time of introspection, to look within, regroup, conserve & cultivate our prana.

But not so with the holiday season.

We are now in the midst of parties and family gatherings and shopping and traveling on trains and planes among throngs of strangers... a very extroverted time of year. 

And this can cause anxiety.

And this can cause exhaustion.

And this can cause depression.

So what's a yogi to do? Lock herself up in her house in the dark? Hibernate until April? Escape to a remote tropical island where you don't speak the local language?

As appealing as that may sound in the middle of Chicago sleet & snow... that's not the answer.

The answer is to practice mindfulness. Here are some tips:

In the midst of those interactions, extend compassion and lovingkindness to the family members who drive you crazy.

Be selective of the conversations you choose to engage in and the words that come out of your mouth.

Chew your drinks and sip your foods... meaning pay attention to what you're eating and drinking and how much, so that when you're eating, you're eating and when you're speaking, you're speaking... not trying to do both at the same time.

Know when to say "enough."

Breathe deeply.

Smile and mean it.

Take some time to step away and find a quiet corner to yourself.

Bring your journal.

Meditate for 5 minutes each day (don't try for longer... you'll make yourself bonkers trying to find time!)

Do 3 sun salutations when you wake up in the morning.

Bundle up & go for a walk.

The options are endless. The main point is to be in control of your mind and body so as not to deplete your spirit. If you play your cards right, you may even find yourself feeling recharged and invigorated to face 2010 head on and full of possibility.