It’s almost the end of November, a soft blanket of snow covers the ground, and Christmas is around the corner. Or is it? Premier Brian Pallister last week announced emphatically that, right now, “there is no Christmas”.
Of course the holiday season will come and go, and with the new made-in-Manitoba STAY HOME orders, there’s no question, it’s going to look and feel very different. Which brings me to a quote that I came across the other day:
"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections." Author Unknown
The “imperfections” of the upcoming holiday season will prompt us to find new ways to share and celebrate, perhaps through distance technology, as imperfect as this may be. This technology gives us the means to reach out and visit with family and friends, near and far. In this way we can still “see” each other and share the spirit of Christmas. For this I am grateful. Tears will likely be shed because things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be, adding to the many tears that have been shed since the start of the pandemic.
Lately, I’ve been inspired to share yoga ethics with you, specifically Patanjali’s yamas (external guiding principles), as part of our yoga classes. In my personal yoga practice of late I’ve revisited yoga philosophy that I’ve long forgotten, such as Patanjali’s yoga sutra I.33:
“By cultivating an attitude of friendship toward those who are happy, compassion toward those in distress, joy toward those who are virtuous, and equanimity toward those who are nonvirtuous, lucidity arises in the mind.” Translation, Edwin Bryant
For a bit of context and musings regarding the yoga sutra cited above, I invite you to read a recent post from Yoga for Health Aging - Letting Go, Part 2: Universal Kindness. In particular, it highlights the cultivation of compassion, joy, and equanimity in various ways. Click here to read more.
I’m already planning classes for the new year. During the 2021 winter 10-week session we’ll delve into Patanjali’s niyamas (internal signposts): self-purification (saucha), compassion (santosha), self-discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), surrender to a force higher than ourselves (isvara pranidhana), and more.
For those of you who might be interested, and I do hope you’ll join me, I’ve posted the Winter 2021 yoga schedule, which is very similar to Fall 2020 (live, virtual classes, of course) with one important change that I’m very pleased to announce. The Morning Glow class is accessible to everyone, and every body, regardless of ability or background. Chair yoga is integrated seamlessly into the class.
By the way, if you register for 2 or 3 weekly classes, my “gift” to you is wellness incentive pricing. Let me know if you’d like more information.
Yoga classes might be a nice holiday gift idea for that person who has everything. Gift certificates are available. Visit my website https://www.studio71yoga.com for class schedule information.
I’m also in the early stages of planning a yoga workshop for sleep recovery. Stay tuned!
Shifting gears here just a little, one of my favourite Canadian yoga suppliers, Halfmoon, has launched The Twelve Days of Mindfulness Event. I thought I’d share the link with you so you can benefit from the sale, while supplies last. For details visit their website.
Sending you warmth and light (and a virtual hug).
Be well. Stay safe.
Jeannine
