Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holidays with a Twist


Reflecting on your own divinity
     When it comes to the holidays, I have become one who craves a silent and holy night. A sacred time to both reflect and celebrate the divine within. The end of the year feels like a natural and mandatory reflection time. If it wasn't for the discovery of yoga communities, I would probably still be wondering where one could find a sacred space for such reverent reflection. Yoga communities everywhere roll out the "welcome to yourself" mats, celebrating the the season within.

Many will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I too, will honor him, who's spirit lives within my own heart. For me, this divine compassionate presence has many names. If limited to one name, it could be easily distilled to "love." In honor of Christ, who also suggested we look within, I celebrate his wisdom, and how he lived his life in love. His spirit simply keeps pointing to the breath, the spirit of love, and the connecting energy within me. Showing us the way, the truth and the light, within our own miraculous selves.

For many, the holidays are a time of tradition. I'm a traditionalist too. It's just that my tradition is to do things a little differently every year. Last year, my holidays consisted of having the Christmas flu. I felt like it was my body and spirit's way of saying, "you're not going anywhere until you sit in awareness of all that IS." Oddly enough, the flu was what I needed to take that time. This year, the holidays will be spent in a sea of mostly strangers. New York City will be the backdrop. A wonderful place to acknowledge the divine presence that illuminates everyone, no matter their lifestyle or perspective. It also happens to be a great place to find extra special holiday yoga classes!

"Vast inner solitude"
Wishing everyone real peace as the seasons get ready to turn again.
Rainer Rilke's words remind us not to underestimate the importance of finding time to sit with your own divinity:

              "What is necessary, after all,                                                               Is only this: solitude.
                Vast inner solitude.
                To walk inside yourself
                and meet no one for hours --
                that is what you must be able to attain."

2 comments:

kittyclaire said...

I too try to find my own Christmas spirit. As the year flies by, I try to rest and remember the good things that happened in year past and sort of plan the coming year (but you never can know what WILL actually happen). One thing I am trying to bring into my reality is that I have the power to transform my life. Just me. So I practice breathing...and transforming. It's slow going, but I think I'll get there.

Sarah

Seasons Change Yoga said...

Your thoughtful comments remind me that in many traditions, breath means spirit. Finding the Christmas spirit is probably as simple as noticing our own breath (spirit). It's amazing how conscious breathing does transform our lives.
The remembering and planning that happens this time of year brings clarity and insight, along with unanswered questions and confusion. Grateful that the present moment is always ready and waiting.