The Winter Solstice is once again upon us. Although I'm not a fan of cold weather, I do enjoy the way the wintery, dark months invite us to become more introspective and take inventory of what is and what is not necessary in order to reemerge energized come Spring. Here are a few things that I'm going to be exploring in the darkness to prepare for my return to the light:

1. Work on my Inversions. I actually nailed a handstand while on retreat after not being successful with kicking up on my own for years. It took some concentration and a review of bio mechanics (thanks Amy Ippoliti) but it also took belief in being able to do it. I need more of that, more not giving up even when it's difficult.
2. Deepen my understanding of yoga philosophy and share what I learn with my dear students. As we all know, Yoga is far, far more than what we do on the mat. It is a lifestyle. It has a history. It is a tool that we you can use to not only interrogate ourselves but also to interrogate the world around us. It is through this interrogation that we grow as souls living a human experience and improve this experience for ourselves, our fellow humans and all beings.
3. Journal. I've finally got into the habit of journaling. I don't use prompts or try to write about anything specific. I simply put on paper anything that I may feel or think in that moment. I rarely go back and read what I write, but perhaps this winter I will. There are probably a few gems there that will make a great theme for a class or two!
4. Study Spanish. If you took class last week (or read the newsletter) then you know how much I LOVED Costa Rica! For my trip back, I want to understand the language and be better equipped to be in conversation with the citizens of my host nation.
5. And another yoga pose goal: a Backbend every day! The darkness and lack of color outside can bring down my mood. Backbends are uplifting, energizing, strengthening and fun. And, yes, we'll be doing them in class.

Feel free to visit the Blog on toembodyyoga.com and let me know what you'll be doing to stay warm and motivated this winter. And remember, we gain more and more light each day following the darkest night of the year!

Finally, did you know that you can register and pay for classes on my new website? Just go to https://www.toembodyyoga.com/offerings and click on Mixed Level Yoga, choose your class day/time and register. Classes are Monday at 12:30 PM and Thursday at 9:00 AM. All times Eastern.