The Heart of Winter

Winter… the most Yin time of the year, its dark, still and cold. Throughout these months we see the downward pull of energy toward the earth and nature starts drawing deeply inward. We often perceive that the energy and life has disappeared from nature but in truth it hasn’t, it has simply ‘internalised’. As we are connected to the rhythms of the seasons, we too find our own energy contracting and we start retreating inward to our internal worlds, preferencing a night in with a book or NETFLIX over movement or a social outing with friends.

Every season brings a gift, an offering, a teaching- if we are prepared to listen.

Winter is ruled by the element of water and this element connects us in deeply with our emotional bodies. During this time, twinges of melancholy may arise, unresolved situations that haven’t had closure or been dealt with may tug more at our hearts and play on our minds. We often feel a stronger pull to sift through our ‘inner’ lives and this is a time to really explore the richness of our inner landscape and our feeling body.

As a culture we have become so accustomed to measuring our worth by how productive we are, how much we accomplish and ‘Do’ instead of who we are and and how we’re ‘being’. As a result many people are at odds with this more ‘yin’ and gentle time of year. Trying to approach this time of year with the same energy, velocity and speed with which we travel during the warmer months is bound to cause serious fatigue, illness or even burn out. If we listen carefully to the energy of Winter she is asking us to slow things down, pair things back and to connect in with what we’re feeling. Winter reminds us that there is just as much value in ‘being’ and ‘feeling’ as there is in doing. We have forgotten this important lesson.

During this time of year, just as we must honour that our energy levels have shifted, it is important not to sucumb to inertia and to keep the energy flowing within the body. If you feel that you struggle during Winter, staying committed to a movement practise can be the perfect remedy for the sense of ‘heaviness’ and ‘blues’ that may creep into your life. Often at this time of year we are craving a deep sense of nourishment for our physical body and energy body and so rekindling- or even starting a Yin yoga practise can feel like everything that the body, mind, emotions and the spirit needs. The essence of Yin is all about returning to the space of ‘being’. The lushious floor based poses, work deeply on the connective tissue of the body, leaving you feeling more open, lighter and relaxed- perfect for the heaviness that starts settling into the body during these cold months.

If you have a stronger movement practise and want something that enables you to sweat, feel strong and more empowered in your body then Vinyasa Flow Yoga can be a perfect addition to your practise- and your life. It can also be a great way to ignite your own inner fire and keep you connected to the energy of passion and commitment.

Yin yoga classes are held every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and Vinyasa flow classes are now commencing at the new time of 7.30pm on Wednesday (from the 1st of August) and Saturdays at 8am at Divine Warrior Yoga studios in Doreen. Divine Warrior Yoga is a small studio and so bookings are essential. Contact https://divinewarrioryoga.com.au/contact/ to make a booking.

If you’re new to Yoga and you’re looking for a gentle introduction then why not come to Monday evenings Foundation Yoga Flow class at 6:30pm (commencing Monday 30th July).