We all find it hard at times to find the motivation to roll out of bed and onto our yoga mat and or meditation cushion or seat.
It seems to become all the more challenging in Winter. The bed just seems so extra warm and comfy if one has awoken before the sun has risen.
For me I roll out onto my meditation cushion (helps to keep spine upright, chest and heart open) this has always been the first thing I do each morning since I began a daily practice about 18 years ago. So peaceful to be up before others in the household, time for self is so important, I always feel like it sets me up for the day ahead.
In Winter I find having a cleansing warm lemon drink, helps to prepare me for my practice. You may like to add a little honey and grated ginger, for me lemon works just fine.
If you are fortunate enough to have a fire or heater, stoke it or turn it on as you take the time to mindfully enjoy your warm drink.
I am fortunate enough to have a fire in the space I practice in, I sip my drink and watch the flames, I find it a gentle way to ease into my meditation practice.
As I watch the flames I am reminded that a regular daily practice stokes the “Agni” the fire in the belly. Which in turn, on a physical level aids digestion, assimilation and elimination, this physical level may be quite obvious. On a subtler level by keeping the “Agni” stoked what one takes in through the senses may become easier to assimilate, digest and release. That noticing you have perhaps after your practice that the world hasn’t changed, but your relationship to it has. Everything seems a little less troubling as the bigger picture is more felt, a stepping back and having an appreciation for what one has rather than what one hasn’t. You may feel more connected to life rather than disconnected, now who wouldn’t want that?
Having a cosy space for your practice may encourage you to keep it up throughout the cooler months of Winter. Set the tone, once you have created warmth, light a candle, diffuse some of your favourite essential oils, set an intention to be curious throughout your practice rather than mechanical. Meditation shawls work a treat for keeping you warm in your meditation practice, but also as a sign or cue to check in and settle into your posture.
Maybe now is the time to treat yourself to a new eco-friendly mat, I am loving my jute yoga mat at the moment, great grip, and helps me to feel grounded yet spacious in my yoga flow.
No slipping and sliding on this mat, they can be a little more in price, but well worth it. Bio-degradable and as I have shared the grip is so much better than other mats I have tried. Yes, I have tried a few over the years. If buying a new mat isn’t doable or your own mat is fine, now is the time to freshen it up, I use an organic dishwashing liquid in warm water, wipe down and hang to dry.
If a daily practice hasn’t evolved for you just yet, be sure to keep up your regular yoga and meditation classes. Take the time to notice how you feel after your class. More often than not you feel better than when you started, now that’s incentive to keep it up!
Consistency and regularity are the key.
Remember Winter is a time for slowing down, allowing yourself some quieter time for reflection and introspection. I use these slower more inward times for longer meditation sessions, a slower more grounded yoga flow, creating, planning and enjoying each moment.
Mother Nature is such a wonderful teacher, take the time to sit and feel the coolness of the breeze on your face, the dappled sun through trees and the warmth of your woollies!
Enjoy,
May your practice be a blessing and service to you, and a blessing and service to others,
Namaste
Melissa
