The winter solstice was well-celebrated at our house this year. It began with a wonderful Qigong class with some of you, designed around cultivating the yin energy of the shortest day of the year, and ended with an afternoon get-together with friends. (Cookies and champagne may have been involved.) As the sun began to sink, we rang the biggest, brass gong in the house. The actual solstice had occurred at 10:03 that morning, but watching the warm, glowing sunset turn to darkness reminded us of the comforting fact that the steady, reliable rhythms of the universe will bring longer, brighter days. We can count on it.
A simple yet very powerful exercise we did yesterday in class to connect to the powerfully yin energy of the solstice is quite similar to the familiar “Drawing Down the Heavens” (Float the hands out to the sides, then up, then down through the center line of the body). However—importantly-- our intention as we did this variation was to connect to whatever we were feeling beneath our feet: the deep, quiet stillness of yin. The repeated movements, coupled with intention and slow, steady breathing, guided us to a quiet, still place within. Several of us began to sense a gentle current flowing through our legs and feet into the earth. This moving meditation, called “Gods Playing in Clouds”, is very centering and calming, even midst holiday hubbub. It can be used any time to help your mind grow calm and quiet.There’s even more to it, as I’ll explain in next week’s newsletter. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your all your wonderful, positive, life-affirming energy during this past year. Whether you’re part of our online Qigong group, attend the in-person classes at the Millbrook or Sharon Libraries, Kripalu, Vassar LLI, the nature-inspired Qigong events at the beautiful Innisfree Gardens, or if you simply read this letter: You are part of a growing and supportive Qigong community. I deeply appreciate you and thank you. Have a sweet and peaceful holiday season, everyone!
