December 2020
RITUAL.
Like November, this month I’ve been consumed with creating products. I’m so grateful to everyone who purchased these, for themselves or as gifts for Christmas, thank you.
If it wasn’t for the additional time I found myself with this year then I likely wouldn’t have ended up making these. I have a background in art but have not been drawing or sewing for years. It’s been very enjoyable to draw and sew these moons over and over. I have been able to make it a ritualistic and mindful experience!
Like I mentioned last month too, it’s been so important to me to find activities that are away from a screen for at least a little bit each day.
NOURISH.
When it comes to my health I’ve been on a long long journey to find what foods are best for me. Interestingly, this year with all the time at home and being able to cook for myself most of the time I have had glimpses of thinking I’d found the answer. However, then perhaps the seasons would change or stressful events may occur and seemingly it did not seem to be right anymore..
I know we hear it all the time, but balance really is the key. Rather than cutting out too much, for me it’s important to consistently include highly nourishing herbs/tonics/juices along with more dense and grounding foods.
I’ve been feeling very tired and uninspired the past few days, but today I decided to make myself this juice- celery, grapefruit, coriander, turmeric and lemon. It was bitter!…but it definitely snapped me out of a slump and left my tastebuds wanting more again.
SELF PRACTICE.
From the outside I can imagine that my self practice would have seemed a little non existent this month, in terms of physical yoga asana anyway. I’m very much missing the studios now. This year has been very different for me, for years my second home has been at a yoga studio. As brilliant as a zoom class is, the novelty of not having to leave the house has worn off for me now and I miss the community vibe that a studio has, practicing next to friends and catch ups in the changing rooms!
I’ve used guided meditations a lot either before bed or if I have woken up early, first thing in the morning too. I’ve found these to really help anxiety and focus.
The end of the year is the most reflective time, so I have been continuing a lot of internal meditation practices and doing some self reflection in writing. Also dreaming up what I would like 2021 to bring.
SELF STUDY.
Reading, a lot. I’m still working through Roots of Yoga which I mentioned last month, along with a number of other related books. Not being able to regularly be at a studio this year has lead me to getting much deeper into the academic world of yoga. I’ve found some brilliant resources and teachers.
If you’re a yoga teacher or a dedicated student who also enjoys deepening your understanding of yoga’s history and philosophies I would love to connect with you.
I’ve been dreaming up the idea of a little study group, to meet and share what we’re researching!?
I’m going to be busy studying through January, so I may be a little quiet on social media, but please don’t hesitate to send me an email, or book any of my offerings. There won’t be any group classes but online 1-1’s are still running :)
Happy New Year!