Hello Dear Friends,
I hope the brisk winter finds you healthy, warm, but most importantly happy. Although the winter has been fairly mild with the exception of the past week, the days have been super short and the darkness long. Even though we are on the other side of the equinox when the days start getting longer, you might find yourself feeling a little blue, waiting for the light to shine. You are not alone. As many of us know, scientists have even invented “happy lights” to help people through these dark times. Maneuvering the dark isn’t easy.
I personally had a particularly rough week last week and although I can logically tell you why, it’s frustrating when, despite my knowledge and use of the tools needed, I still found myself struggling. Sometimes I feel like a fraud proclaiming the benefits of yoga when in moments like these I find myself feeling low and thinking, “it doesn’t even work!”
Well sometimes you’re the messenger, sometimes you’re the mess. In these times I hold onto hope. I have to confide in my friends and fellow yogis. I need to hear the wisdom from another trustable source. I need to say my prayers, out loud, to another person. Keeping dark feelings inside is a luxury I cannot afford and it’s so liberating to share them with a caring soul. It keeps the challenges “right-sized”
I am reminded that everything is temporary. Life is a series of glad again, mad again, sad again. I’m supposed to feel all of these feelings. My practice isn’t supposed to keep me from feeling them. It is supposed to help me through them and it does. I’m here now to tell you that I’m soaking in the sun on 24 degree day (Brrrrrrrrr.) I’m on the other side of another mountain, breathing and I’m full of gratitude and hope. I have the courage, strength and support to continue in my practice knowing that I’m not alone and I have the wisdom and love of friends to help me through.
See you on the mat!
Chris 