How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

kidsworld.com

The shortest day of the year, winter solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere has been celebrated since ancient times. Pagans, Christians and other religious and Earth-loving groups have celebrated in various ways.

My favorite way to celebrate is with my moon sisters around a fire, chanting, sharing stories, and drinking hot tea. When that not a possibility, I create my own ritual that intuitively comes to me. 

Many of my ideas have been shared or passed down. Most are inexpensive. Choose 1 or more from the list below and celebrate. 

HOW?

Moon Salutation

• share a meal with family and/or friends
• light a candle, or a candle for each person there
• remember the year and what you are grateful for
• share stories from the year 
• have a small fire and burn some dried herbs (depending on Air Quality)
• make an offering to the Earth 
• write a poem
• paint a picture
• sing or chant alone or with friends (ॐ सोमाय नमः om somaya namah) loosely translated-I surrender to the power of the moon.
• spend time in nature
• plant a seed indoors
• do some moon salutations
• meditate contemplating the New Moon (darkest moon)
• observe how you are feeling
• offer small, homemade gifts to neighbors, family or friends

WHY CELEBRATE?

Because you're happy to be alive. Because winter is on it's way. Because it's tradition. Because it's a way to honor Mother Earth. Because you can.

I'd love to hear about how and if you choose to celebrate the Solstice.

#wintersolstice

To BE Present or THE Present -- which makes us happier?

Be Present or The Present

"When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied, "I wish no gifts, only presence." Unknown

We all know how commercialized all of our holidays have become around the world. What is it that is truly important to each of us? Which makes us happier--presents or presence?

I have 2 boys who both have December birthdays. Now that they're in their teens, they have more input about their gifts. Learning to make choices, serve the community (they volunteer at the local food bank with their dad), and work towards what they want has been key. I have to put a shout out to my family for instilling these values in me so that I could pass them on. Thanks Mom, Dad and Step-Dad. 

I'm not saying that we don't get sucked into buying more than we need. We do.

Being present to what is in front of us IS more important than giving or receiving a gift, BUT gifts are not bad. I love to give little (and big) gifts and I love to receive them. The key is that I need to feel it's a choice and not a requirement. I also need to feel that the gifts I give are useful or needed. A beautiful trinket, a day at the spa, a new set of skis, a great book, all have their place. I think of the yama, aparigraha. We don't want to grasp for more than we need. 

Let's remember to BE present in our gift giving and even more importantly, let's BE present with each other. Ultimately, we'll be happier for a longer time and feel better about ourselves for our presence.

If you live in Salt Lake, each year I offer a Yoga Renewal in my home studio. A day-long reprieve from the holidays where you can let go of any baggage of the year and shift your energy towards being open to possibilities in the new year. I hope to see some of you.

Being Present makes us and those around happier and feel more connected. Here's an interesting infographic on being present.

Please share your experiences of being present below. May you all have a healthy, joyous and peaceful holiday.

"Yoga exists in the world because everything is linked." TKV Desikachar
#bepresent #holidaytradition #yogarenewal

Inhale Love...

I was feeling overwhelmed and a friend of mine sent me this beautiful pic. I wanted to share it with all of you because this authentic gesture changed my day. I wanted to feel differently, but the change wasn't happening fast enough. Do some yoga. Breathe. You know move a muscle, change a thought.

This was one of those acts of kindness that takes little time or expense yet packs a powerful punch. Sometimes we become callous about sweet sayings because they are all over social media. Used in a timely way though, I find they offer a special connection.


Take a deep breath in...Inhale Love
Breathe out...Exhale Gratitude

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Share an act of kindness done to you or one that you received. It's the little things in life that can make the biggest difference.
#randomactsofkindness