The holiday season is shining all around us! Holiday music, presents, fun, family and friends surround us for celebration! For so many this time of year brings families together, reminds us of something greater than ourselves to focus on, and gives us an opportunity to share an extra bit of love and kindness to the world around us.
While a lot of people grin from ear to ear, there are others that feel down this time of year. Grief, depression and anxiety are abundant during this season. Stress to find the "perfect" gift, make the "perfect" food, look "perfect" for each holiday gathering. While we often self induce unnecessary stress, coping through a season where loss of loved ones tugs at our hearts can put us on edge. While yoga isn't a cure for grief, depression or anxiety - it can definitely help!
This time of year, my yoga classes tend to focus on chest expansions and hip releases. Chest expansions allow our bodies to find open lungs for deep breathing drawing in peace, they also helping improve immunity - and bring a bit of energy. Hip releases help to let go of stress we internalize and store in our bodies. Both stretches also help give us relief from tensions built during traveling. Along with opening our hearts and hips, deep breathing brings relaxation to our minds and bodies. Try a standard breath of 4 counts in, hold for 4 (or soft pause), 4 counts out, hold for 4 (or soft pause), and repeat -
To help with overall relaxation and to feel uplifted, take 5 minutes each day and find a comfortable place of stillness and focus on repeating a gratitude mantra. A mantra is a saying repeated to stay in our minds, hearts, and bodies. Creating a positive gratitude mantra (sankalpa) can help us stay focused on the blessings of the season, and allow the stress to subside. Some suggestions for mantras may be - I am blessed; I am strong; I am healthy; God loves me; I am love; I am light; Love dwells in me; Spirit lead me; My love overflows - and of course you can personalize any saying to be individual to you. You can choose one mantra to repeat for the entire 5 minutes, or you can alternate between two or three. Choosing to repeat the same mantra each day, or alternate mantras to fit the day. Set a timer to help you remain focused, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the 5 minutes will pass by; and how uplifted you will feel after such a short amount of time.
Enjoy this fun yoga flow to help the body find openness, rest and relaxation. The video moves quickly between poses, but feel free to hold each one for 5 to 10 breaths - or as long a your body feels the best stretch - feeling free to move at a pace your body finds the most beneficial.
Below is a collage of some of the more opening and releasing poses in the flow -
Some of these poses are for expanding and releasing - some are just fun for the holiday season - some fall into both categories đđđ đ»đ€¶đ»đ§đŒââïžđ§đ»ââïžâïžâïžđșđ„-
After moving, breathing, and meditating - be sure to share some of that love and light with everyone around you. Share a smile, a meal, kindness, helpfulness - whatever you have to give - share with someone else. Allow your light to shine and the whole world will glow đ
While we are sharing with others, we can take a moment to be grateful for the gift of kindness and love that shines all around us
For some yoga during the holidays - check out my classes to find one that works into your schedule - or enjoy one of these special holiday classes -
Sending love and peace to you all this holiday season! May you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year - and joy in everything you celebrate!
