Calm in the Christmas Chaos

This time of year can be stressful for many of us, as I was reminded yesterday whilst seeking solitude in the quiet, empty, warm sauna!! This is when we need to find calm the most and, as always, we can find this in yoga. 

For some switching off work for a few days is worrying - what if something goes wrong while you're not there. For others the noise and bustle of everyone around at Christmas can be overwhelming. Or perhaps the silence of having no one around can be lonely. Expectations are high regardless because Christmas is built up to be such a significant time of year for so many. Added to that it's also a full moon and the longest day of the year. Whilst Winter Solstice is a time of re-birth and awakening the prospect of leaping into the new year can also be daunting! There are so many reasons why it's important to take some time out, often forgotten in the rush to get everything done. 

Restorative Yoga and slowing down has it's place on all our mats, and I've found I go to it more at this time of year than ever. When we are stressed, excited, nervous we quicken our pace, but often we need to do the opposite in order to bring balance back into our lives - the main focus of Ayurveda. Releasing into props such as cushions, bolsters and blankets allows the body to completely let go as it is supported. The quiet space along with physical response helps the mind to let go. 

As we move into a new year this is the perfect time to slow down, take stock and set intentions for the next phase from a place of calm. So, in the midst of the Christmas Choas take some time out, lie with your legs up the wall, a hot water bottle on your belly and give yourself some peace for 5 minutes. 

Satya - Truthfulness

A few days ago I was messing around and somehow found myself in this yoga pose - Mayurasana, Peacock.

It wasn't hard, I just balanced and lifted my legs up

and then eventually...

I fell!! 

My partner captured my graceful moment and I decided to share it on social media. Not because I want everyone to see me doing an almost impossible yoga pose but because I want everyone to see me do it like a normal human being, fall over and make an idiot out of myself! 

One of the 5 Yamas in the eight limbs of Yoga is 'Satya' - truthfulness. The Yamas are a series of commitments to our relationship with others (how we act to others) making up one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Satya, in my opinion, is one of the most important. Being honest means that we don't deceive others. It means that other people respect us because they trust us. It is the basis of any solid relationship, whether this be with a friend, partner, colleague, client. If you don't have honesty you don't have trust and if you don't have trust you have no relationship! 

I'm constantly aware of the way that things are portrayed in the world today. Social media makes it impossible to escape this desire to show other people our lives, and consequently to be shown other people's lives all the time. However, we all know that what we see is not always the truth. In an attempt to live more closely in line with Satya, whilst still living in the modern world running a business that relies on social media, I have chosen to show the reality of my 'advanced yoga practice'. I try new poses to challenge my body and my focus. Sometimes I manage them, but guaranteed, for every pose I can do there are 100's of attempts where I've landed in a heap on the floor.  

I hope that this inspires others to give it a go!