Tuesday, December 21st marks this year’s Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere’s shortest day and longest night of the year. The Sun, our source of life, light and energy, is furthest from our skies, which contributes to fatigue and the urge to hibernate. Meanwhile, Holy-day and end-of-year celebrations vie for time and energy. Many people find this season indeed to be joyful and bright, while for others this time of year can provoke wistful memories, amplify feelings of loneliness, and/or encourage poor judgement and unhealthy habits. This year let the darkness be an invitation to dive deep within, and deeper still while you simultaneously discover, uncover and recover your own inner light.

The darkness in this case can be symbolic of one’s hidden, less obvious, shadow nature. Giving yourself time to become acquainted with parts of yourself that have been ignored, banished or denied helps to diminish the fear and loathing you might feel toward them as you integrate their wisdom and become super-charged with their power. As we continue to excavate this interior landscape, thinning out, tearing down and burning up the constructs that reinforce a sense of separation, you will reveal the ‘effulgent, sorrowless light’ that is buried within … eternally present and yearning to brightly shine.

Click in each morning to refresh your spirit, revitalize your body, clear your mind and open your heart. Utilizing time-honored yogic practices such as breathwork and kriyas (cleansing techniques), yin, gentle vinyasa and restorative yoga methods, along with deep relaxation, visualization, meditation and poetry, you will be guided on a journey of cleansing, forgiveness and integration preparing you to powerfully conclude the year 2021 with a clear vision, courage and confidence to boldly greet the New Year.

The retreat is open to all levels of yoga students from seasoned yogi/nis to brand new beginners. For the retreat it will be helpful for you to have 2 yoga blocks, 2 blankets, and a yoga mat(😊).Dress in layers, have tea and/or water nearby, and if you have access to a wall space (for legs up the wall).