As the year ends, the winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night—encourages reflection, renewal, and reconnection. This celestial event reminds us of life’s cycles and the interplay of light and darkness. For yoga practitioners, it’s a chance to embrace inner balance and nurture mental wellbeing.
Yoga and the Solstice
Yoga, rooted in unity and balance, aligns with the solstice’s essence. It helps us embrace light and shadow, fostering harmony and grounding through nature’s rhythms.
Exploring the Koshas and Apana Vayu
Yoga explores five koshas (layers of being):
Annamaya Kosha: Physical body.
Pranamaya Kosha: Energy body, connected to breath.
Manomaya Kosha: Mental body of thoughts.
Vijnanamaya Kosha: Wisdom body of intuition.
Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss body of fulfillment.
Focusing on Apana Vayu, the downward-moving energy, supports release and introspection during this time.
Honoring Shadows and Mental Wellbeing
The solstice invites us to face inner shadows, transforming them into growth. Yoga’s duality of light and darkness fosters acceptance and balance. To improve mental wellbeing:
Embrace light: Seek sunlight or light therapy.
Stay active: Yoga elevates mood.
Nourish the body: Eat balanced, nutrient-rich foods.
Connect socially: Cherish relationships.
Practice mindfulness: Meditate or journal for clarity.
Yoga Poses for the Solstice
Child’s Pose: Rest and introspection.
Forward Fold: Release and letting go.
Reclined Bound Angle: Acceptance and heart-opening.
Legs-Up-the-Wall: Relaxation and renewal.
Savasana: Deep rest and reflection.
This solstice, pause, breathe, and embrace the promise of new beginnings with yoga’s timeless wisdom.
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