Today we mark Groundhog's Day to see if Punxatawney Phil sees his shadow, preparing us for another 6 weeks of winter or not.  (After all our snow and ice, let's hope not!)  So today it's all about shadows...  The silly symbolism of this character can be a great metaphor for our Yoga practice!  

Yoga provides us an opportunity to curiously look within.  If we are open and patient with ourselves and our practice, the practice has a way of revealing our shadow selves, the parts of ourselves we may wish to keep hidden from others, or may not be willing to see or acknowledge even to ourselves.  The practices of Yoga enable us to face our shadow sides with loving compassion and acceptance, to bring in to the light that which needs healing.  With dedication and a bit of inner fortitude, we arrive again and again to see ever more clearly the many aspects of self with humor, good will and a willingness to move forward and let go.  This can happen on many levels; through our asana and pranayama practices we become aware of how and where we hold resistance and tension in our bodies.  With consistent practice we can unwind our knots and smooth out our rough edges.  In time we may even begin to understand how the body reflects the inner fabric of our thoughts, emotions and repetitive unconscious patterns that get in our way and create suffering.  We become mindful of our choices, and begin to see the windows of opportunity for change reveal themselves.  Change is a process, not a one-shot deal, and awareness of our choices is the first step.  That's important to remember this time of year as the excitement and energy for your New Year resolution may be feeling a bit tired and lackluster. Staying the course of your Yoga practice reinforces any transformative process.  The course will not always be smooth sailing, it naturally ebbs and flows.  Yoga helps us ride the waves with grace.  Celebrate small successes, congratulate yourself for simply being aware when you are mindfully present to whatever occurs...whether it be a clear vision of your own shadow, or a leap forward towards your intention. 

 

During the short days and longer cold nights of February when the sun often is shadowed by the clouds, we can slip in to dullness and lethargy, losing the spark of motivation and inspiration. This is a really great time to rely more deeply on your practice, on the community of supportive fellow Yogis who can help us stay focused and present.  We have so many great classes, workshops and gatherings at Moving Mantra this time of year to sustain and fortify your practice!   I hope to see you at one of them soon...

 

May your find peace in your hearts and see the light and love in everyone...