Winter Solstice Reflections
Today, as the Winter Solstice graces us here in the Northern Hemisphere, I find myself reminiscing of my Northern up-bringing. Growing up in the North, I spent countless hours in the snow, even after the sun had set. Dressed from head to toe in warm protective clothing, with only the brim of my cheeks and eyes exposed to the wintery air, I'd build snowman and snow forts, and hide in tunneled-out hallows until my parents called me to come indoors. For me, the fresh, cold and dry crispness of Winter is spiritually refreshing!
(And funny enough, at the time of this post we received a dumping of about 20cms of snow!)
With the shortest day and longest night of the year now here, the Winter Solstice is a beautiful reminder of the cyclical nature of life. This season calls us inward, inviting reflection, release, and the quiet planting of seeds for new beginnings.
This morning, I had the honour of leading a Winter Solstice yoga practice from my home. Our flow focused on gentle backbends, core strength, and the grounding mantra, "I am enough." Through breath, movement, and stillness, we explored what it means to let go of the past and step into the present moment with courage, faith, and the grace of being exactly where we are meant to be.
The Power of Enoughness
For many of us, the end of the year can bring a rush of emotions: nostalgia, regret, hope, and expectation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we need to accomplish more, be more, or do more. But what if we embraced the idea that we are already enough? Not tomorrow, not when the to-do list is complete, but right here and right now.
During our class, I encouraged the students to honour their bodies for what they can do today. Yoga is not about forcing or pushing; it’s about listening, feeling, and trusting. In the same way, our lives don’t demand perfection, but presence. Enoughness is about recognizing that we are whole, even amidst imperfections, struggles, and growth.
A Journal Practice for Reflection
To deepen the journey of embracing enoughness and stepping into the new season, I shared these journal prompts with my students. They’re designed to support reflection, healing, and the cultivation of self-compassion:
What am I ready to release from the past year that no longer serves my highest good?
What emotions, habits, or beliefs have I been holding onto that I’m now prepared to let go of?
Where in my life do I need to invite more courage and trust in myself or the universe?
How can I cultivate faith in my ability to heal and grow?
What seeds of intention am I planting as I step into this new season of my life?
If I could design my ideal future, what would it look like, and how can I take the first step toward welcome it today?
When have I felt most connected to my inner wisdom or divine guidance, and how can I strengthen that connection?
What messages or lessons has this past year of my life brought me so far?
What areas of my life need more tenderness and self-compassion right now?
How can I show up for myself in the same way I show up for others?
What am I grateful for in this past year, even in the midst of challenges?
How have I grown or transformed this past year, and how can I celebrate those changes today?
Embracing the New Season
As we move through the Solstice and into the light of longer days, I invite you to hold onto the mantra "I am enough." Let it be a guiding force that allows us all to honor our unique paths, embrace our bodies and minds as they are, and trust in the unfolding of our lives.
Each step, each breath, and each moment is part of a greater journey of becoming.
Thank you to everyone who joined me for this practice. May we all carry the light of enoughness into the new year, shining brightly for our own healing and kindling the healing in others.
Namaste
xoM
Comments