Reflections on Winter: Hunkering Down, Self-Care and Change

AAAHHHH Winter…Is it a beginning or an end?—or both?—The official calendar dates of Winter are December 21-March 21, with a New Year occurring during that time span. We are only a few days away from 2014. There are so many events and happenings, so much to do and even more to plan. Where does one start? How do we live in the present, evaluate the past, plan for the future all at the same time?

I wish I had answers to that! For me, this season of longer nights, shorter days is a time for self- care—warm blankets, hot soups, lots of moisturizers, and creating time with friends. Without something to look forward to, the winter can become even darker.

I learned a few great ways to make it through the coming months in Victoria Fleenor’s Winter Wellness Workshop on December 1 (sorry if you missed it, it was really good!). One of those ways is to live in Gratitude—be grateful that you wake up every morning. I like to begin my physical day while still cozy in bed with whole body stretches, then stretching alternate sides (right arm left leg, left arm right leg) to wake up both sides of my brain, leg raises and bringing knees to chest to loosen my lower back, and then some twists to awaken my spine. This gets me out of bed to do a few Downward-Facing Dogs either on the floor or with my hands on the bed or dresser. If I do no other physical practice all day, I know I have tuned into my body in this way, grateful that I can meet the day.

Another way that inspired me to survive with grace during the winter is to get out in Nature—See what God created in ever season. Each gift has its purpose. The flowers cannot bloom in the spring without resting through the winter. The glisten on the snow is beautiful in the sunlight, the naked trees are striking in their architecture and design, and the air is clean and cool to renew your breath. I am fortunate to have a faithful companion, Jade, who demands to be walked daily. This nearly forces me to layer on leggings, flannel lined jeans, wool socks, coat, hat, earmuffs, gloves—the whole works—to walk her. I am probably quite amusing walking in all that gear, but it gets me out and lets me see the splendor around me with new eyes.

Other excellent survival strategies include lighting candles, playing music, developing a satisfying routine for self- care , journaling, living with intention, accepting this slowing down, reflective season as a normal process that allows time for developing roots so you will bloom again in the sun of Spring! And to contrast all of this solitude—stay present, stay connected, get together with friends and family, go out in the world and try something new!

BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS AT GRACETREE

We are celebrating some Beginnings and Endings at Gracetree in this season. The first ‘employee’ of Gracetree, Courtney King, completed her studies for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and has decided to begin her career as a “traveler,” working for 13 weeks at a time in different locales. We will miss her and wish her well.

Courtney’s leaving creates a New Beginning, as her Tuesday, 12 noon, Vinyasa Express, welcomes Lisa Pratt, RYT, to teach that class. And don’t forget Lisa’s other weekly class, YINtuitive Mixed-Level Yoga, Friday’s from 12-12:50. The second Friday of each month is a Seva (donation) class where you can donate food products or $$ for Reach Out Lakota.

Courtney’s leaving creates another opening at Gracetree, Mondays at 7 PM. This vinyasa class welcomes another new teacher, yet to be assigned.

Ramesh Gambheera is joining our team to offer a new class, Shakti Yoga, on Sunday mornings from 9:00 till 10:15. This is an Ashtanga-based class arising from his training and personal practice. [Of note, the Sanskrit word “Shakti” represents the dynamic energy of a Hindu god personified as his female partner. More broadly, it means cosmic female energy as conceived in Hindu thought, or simply empowerment. Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.]

Lonna McCarty, RYT has been dividing her time between hometown Cincinnati and the Northeast coast for professional reasons. Lonna has graciously continued with her Saturday morning class whenever she’s been in town. However, with an indefinite travel schedule, she has decided to give up her class on Saturday mornings at 10:30. Starting in January, the class will be taught by Kim Dawes, RYT and assisted by Beth Wiley, RYT.

A brand new class coming in January is ABC YOGA---Ageless Balance and Chair Yoga. This class is offered by Antonia von Hirschberg, RYT and Betsy Brothers, RYT for those who may find the floor a little far away or difficult to reach. There have been several requests for Balance classes and this class meets those needs as well as the added benefits of Chair Yoga. Thursdays, 10:30-11:30, beginning January 7, 2014, we will meet in one of the handicap accessible studios.

Also brand new is Kim Dawes’ Wednesday Power Hour from 12-1 pm, offering vinyasa, focused breath, refreshing and rejuvenating practice to see you through Hump Day and send you on your way feeling invigorated for the rest of the week!

Unfortunately there are Endings, too. The 8:00 Saturday Hatha Yoga class is ending. We are seeking a Kundalini teacher to offer a New Beginning to balance this loss, although I do not believe a new Kundalini class will happen at 8 AM on Saturday morning! Stay tuned as we know more about this class. [Kundalini yoga derives its name through a focus on awakening kundalini energy through regular practice of meditation, chanting mantra, and yoga. Kundalini means “coiled energy” at the base of the spine. When kundalini rises, energy is thought to rise in an energy channel along the spine. Called by practitioners "the yoga of awareness", it aims "to cultivate the creative spiritual potential of a human to uphold values, speak truth, and focus on the compassion and consciousness needed to serve and heal others."]

For more information about any of these classes, please visit www.gracetreestudio.com or email info@gracetreestudio.com.

Happy Winter! Have a safe and warm, healthy and happy remainder of 2013.

Peace,

Betsy