Looking forward to 2023 ✨
/This time of year always seems to bring an abundance of emotions – excitement for the holidays and the closing of another chapter, while also inevitably getting wrapped up in the busyness and commotion of the season. In a time when the world wants you to give everything, I encourage you to pause, take a breath and regulate your nervous system. By minimizing the stress response the holidays can bring and returning to a more centered place within yourself, you can show up in a more calm and peaceful way.
How can we do that? Meditation, journalling, turning off social media, and yoga are all great places to start. Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) in particular is a fantastic way to down regulate your nervous system and welcome true rest and deep healing. I’ll be hosting a Solstice Yoga Nidra “Pop Down” Livestream on Wednesday, December 21 from 7:00 - 8:15 pm to honour this time of darkness in yourself and the return to light in the world. This is the perfect opportunity to gift yourself the pause we all need this time of year (it's only $20!).
Looking ahead to the new year, I’m so excited to be able to offer even more opportunities for this return to ourselves. We don’t only need to manage stress during holidays or the flurry of New Year Resolutions that always get made this time of year. If you’re looking to be more intentional about movement or manage your stress response in a more positive way, I have some exciting opportunities coming up!
On January 4 I will be co-hosting Blissful Harmony with Heather Robynne at PranaShanti where we can bask in the benefits of yogic sound and aromatherapy to ease into a new year.
January 9 is the kick off to my Livestream 12-week yoga series. There are a few new class options this session and a bonus class on ayurveda - the lifestyle art+science of yoga.
Then February 10-12 we escape to the beautiful snowy hills of the Outaouais for a Yoga & Snowshoe Retreat. This weekend is about continuing to nourish our bodies, minds and souls in the tranquility of the season.
Teachers, keep an eye out for news about a Yoga Nidra Teacher Training end of February where I'm collaborating with Chantal Houde to teach of the benefits of this practice, how to share it with your students and enjoy class participation as we work through movements together.
During the flurry this season always brings, I hope you find moments for yourself, to quiet the noise around you, and embrace the stillness a bit more.
I HIGHLY recommend using your essential oils at this time of year! Diffusing Clove, Cinnamon or Cassia provides a warming (and strongly antimicrobial) aroma. Applying Eucalyptus (the oil of wellness) or Peppermint (the oil of a buoyant heart) to your chest or the soles of your feet will promote a healthy immune response and can help you fight anything that comes your way. If you have any questions or would like more suggestions, please reply to this email!