Welcome to the darkest part of the year. Light the candles, settle in. Nature has the right idea here, you will see her resting, reclaiming her energy for the year ahead. It is nearly December, and this is a time where we are called to rest and go within, we are after all approaching the Solstice; the longest, darkest night of the year. However, the world has other ideas – the run up to the festive season can be very pressured and draining physically and emotionally. This dichotomy of what we need vs what society expects is one that can sometimes create discomfort, exhaustion and guilt. Rest is something that is not valued in modern society, it belongs to the feminine sphere along with intuition, nurture, creativity, introspection - none of which match up with societies long standing celebration of striving, routine, overwork and exhaustion. Balance is all, and balance is essential to maintaining wellness.
So take time as the darkness really settles in to truly care for yourself; find somewhere cosy and comfortable, put your devices on do not disturb, get your favourite blanket, plump some cushions and pillows and indulge in 15 minutes of relaxation by listening to this short yoga nidra. Not only will it help relax you physically, mentally and emotionally, but the quiet and stillness this brings also offers deeper self awareness. This in turn can help create the clarity you need in order to carefully choose where you place your outward energy going forward, so you can start to create the balance that will keep you happy and well over winter.
Simply click here to listen: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/cd9f7d_5cdd0e0fe2ef4d3aaf8f50a5e79ae573.m4a
Alternatively the link is also under the meditations and videos tab at www.emmasyogahut.co.uk
Though this is not specifically designed for sleep, it is worth remembering that “Yoga Nidra” loosely translates to “yogic sleep”! There is no ending bell so you can use it at night time if you like, but if you are just taking a little rest before getting on with the rest of your day then maybe set an alarm just in case you drift off.
If you are interested in finding out more about yoga nidras then have a read of my September blog post on this very topic https://www.emmasyogahut.co.uk/post/all-about-yin-yoga-and-yoga-nidra-great-ways-to-rest-and-unwind:
I hope you get a chance to enjoy the quietude of winter and treat yourself with the gentle loving care you deserve.
With love,
Emma xx
(Emma runs Emma’s Yoga Hut in Earley. A tiny garden studio for small group yoga tuition. She is a yoga student and yoga teacher and has practiced yoga for nearly 30 years. She trained with the Traditional Yoga Association right here in Reading between 2016 and 2018 to achieve her 500 hour yoga teaching accreditation. She has additional teaching qualifications in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. She is an accredited Sound Bath Facilitator and specialises in crystal singing bowls. She teaches Chair Yoga classes at local community centres where there is often coffee and a chat after class. She is passionate about getting the beautiful benefits of yoga out to as many people as possible, Emma tries her best to practice yoga every day, and lying down with a blanket and listening to a yoga nidra definitely counts!)
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