Sometimes the most
important thing in a whole
day is the rest we take
between two deep
breaths
Etty Hillesum
I read this quote on my instagram feed on Christmas day which turned out, like so many, different this year. I am not particularly savvy on social media but I have managed to make my instagram feed full of thoughtful, friendly, inspiring and creative posts. This poem above was shared by the author Sue Monk Kidd. Etty Hillesum was a Dutch Jewish woman who died in a Nazi concentration camp at 29. Sue Monk Kidd went on to share her thoughts on the poem by Etty....."The rest between two breaths refers to a moment of stillness, of simple being-ness that allows us to return to ourselves. Such 'rests' sustained Etty. They are the soul's answer to just about everything. I am thinking we could all probably use one about now"
I hope this inspires you to find some time for your own rest. Winter is my favorite time of year to practice yoga. There is something incredibly cozy about it. The body tightens and constricts in response to cold temperatures. Yoga is the perfect antidote for that. Just a few minutes into the practice you begin to notice the warmth you are creating in your own physical body. And I love the use of props especially blankets and bolsters to make many of the poses feel warming and restorative.
I am hoping many of you are discovering this as well in your own yoga practice. Invite yoga and meditation to anchor you, ground you and cultivate some deep rest this winter.
I currently have the book Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times by Katherine May on my bedside table. I try to read a few pages at night before I go to bed. I mean, how fitting is the title for this winter in particular? I know many of my teacher friends have this book as well so I hope they are smiling reading this.
I'll share with you one of my favorite excerpts so far "Doing those deeply unfashionable things- slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting- is a radical act now, but it is essential."
NEW CLASS NOW ON YOU TUBE
40 Minute Class with Ustrasana (Camel Pose) Variations
Donations Venmo @Jenny-Hoffman-11
SNOW YOGA!
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sundays 5pm-6pm www.bhaktibarn.com
Mondays 9am-10am Summit YMCA www.thesay.org
Tuesdays 11:15am-12:15pm www.bhaktibarn.com
Been awhile since you unrolled your mat? Email me if you are interested in starting back quietly for privates or small group privates at your home
I am also offering guided meditation sessions