Once more we have reached the final term of the year, and very soon our thoughts will be turning to Christmas and the New Year. For me, Christmas is about sharing and giving and I like to try to encourage that through our class practice with a gift from me to my students.

A couple of years’ ago, I committed to carrying around many candles and bolsters, and almost as much chocolate throughout the term, as we worked with the chakras and restorative poses, in order to keep us calm, grounded and centred throughout the festive season. Last year we practiced partner yoga throughout the term, which encouraged us to share the joy of our practice with others. This year I suggested that students might like to request practices that they particularly enjoy or would like to know more about, in order that our practice can be a truly shared representation that incorporates the elements that you enjoy most.

 

The feedback I have received so far, is that many of you would like to practice more yoga nidra, more meditation, more “lying on the floor” postures and more restorative poses! This is not surprising, as all these practices are in keeping with the seasonal desire to find somewhere warm and cosy and hibernate!

 

Practices such as Salute to the Day and the Golden Seed flow sequence were also nominated, along with mantra (chanting).  I have also had several requests for practices that help to counter feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, all of which are common symptoms of our modern lifestyle.

 

Thank you to all of you who have already responded. I intend to incorporate every suggestion I have received thus far, and please bear in mind, there is still plenty of time if you would like to make a suggestion for this term’s practice.

 

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (peace, peace, peace)!