Candles, sparkly lights, stars, glitter…I love the glow of the holiday season! Light signifies warmth, beauty, radiance, sacredness – no wonder light is used in ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations around the world. As an adjective, “light” has so many synonyms – bright, merry, luminous, airy…and how about these ones: resplendent and bespangled!
From the teachings of yoga, we learn that light has a special significance – illumination, clarity, enlightenment. Moving out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of awareness and truth; into the light of love; into the lightness of being. Clearing away heaviness in body and mind through breath and movement. Honoring the Divine Light within each of us. Every time we step on the mat is an opportunity to recall this sage wisdom and bring it into our every day lives. When we shine our own light, we help illuminate the way for others.
Join me this season in celebrating the light! For the month of December, we will use the theme of LIGHT in our Hatha and Yin classes. Learn a new mantra, rekindle your meditation practice, try a new yoga pose, light a candle for a loved one…so many ways to brighten your day!
And on Dec. 27 from 9:15 am – 10:30 am, join me for a very special 75 minute CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT YOGA AND QI GONG class, with special guest, Salima Shamji. I was introduced to the beauty and flow of Qi Gong this summer and the gentle movements of this ancient Chinese practice surprisingly had profound effects on my energy. With Salima’s guidance, I moved with intention, awareness, and mindfulness in order to cultivate and balance my vital energy (Qi). Not only did I leave each session feeling light in body, mind, and heart, but learning this new practice also helped “shed some light” on postural and movement patterns in my body that needed attention. It was a lovely compliment to yoga and I’m excited to share this combined class with you! See HERE for all the details. (Update: this class is now full. To add your name to the waiting list, please email me at yogaimby@gmail.com.)
May this holiday season be filled with light for you! May we all increase our capacity for love, care, kindness, patience and compassion. May we not let the darkness of turmoil, confusion, and intolerance overshadow the goodness that is out there in this world. And may this last month of the year be merry, bright, and bespangled!
THE GAYATRI MANTRA
“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”
ॐ
“Evoking earth, sky and the heavens
Let us bring our minds to dwell
in the radiance of the Divine Truth.
May truth inspire our reflections.”
Yoga In My Backyard 
Leave a Reply