January 2018
Welcome to YCA monthly musings!
Have you wanted to learn more about yoga, how to live well, and grow through self-enquiry and study but you do not know where to begin? Have you began your journey inward and towards a more mindful life but want to continue to be inspired and find new areas to grow? This is a great way to dive deeper into the depths of yoga philosophy, practice, and lifestyle no matter where you are on your journey. The great teachings of how to live a more well-balanced and conscious life will be provided in bite-sized, monthly letters to help you enjoy and learn at a convenient pace. You will also be able to reference back to each month's musings to enjoy as you see fit. We will flow with the seasons and each month will focus on various things that you can implement to add a little more depth and sincerity to your daily life. This is a mini guide to help you get more in tune to the rhythms of nature that govern you and everything around you. Each letter could include topics such as: yoga philosophy, yoga + meditation video how-tos, healthy recipes, herbalism and wild foraging, essential oil recipes, playlists, book reviews, self-care guides + tips for body, and healthy tips towards living your best life, and more. Let the journey begin.
"Learning is a lifelong practice and a priceless gift."
The days are longer, the nights darker, and the wind cooler. Winter invites us to surrender to the law of the land, let go of control, and turn our focus deep within. It asks us to snuggle down with those who bring comfort and warmth and let other obligations be. There is a lot of pressure from those who influence our country to push people towards being more productive, active, and hyper. Your body follows a natural order, however, and it needs time to rest just as the earth turns down the light and lets the shadows play. Rest is a time for healing and reflecting. As you sleep, your body + mind are still doing great things to bring your entire being into wellness. Your organs are organizing and digesting. Your mind is filtering through the day and possibly providing you with beautiful dreams that can be analyzed for further self-study. Sleep isn't the only rest you need, however. To have a balanced day, it is important to counter excessive activity with stillness. Incorporating even just 10 minutes of meditation into your daily routine can do wonders for your overall health. I like to incorporate a few mini quiet, meditative sessions throughout the day. There are many ways to do this. You can take a few moments in the morning to really sit down and enjoy the sensations of sipping your tea or coffee. Change the way you view your morning brew (likely as a necessity of the day) and make it something you savor and really appreciate. Do not do anything else but sip your warm beverage of choice and try to enjoy every bit of the sensations this morning gift is offering you. About midday is when I really feel the need to ground down. Step away from your work, your computer, put your phone down. Close your eyes and find your breath.