Happy Solstice.
On Sunday, I attended my studio’s winter solstice mala. They host a yoga mala (108 sun salutations) once a quarter at the changing of the seasons (the solstices and equinoxes.)
I have been wanting to attend one for ages; however, I let my intimidation get the better of me. Not this time.
Sunday was very cold and blustery. B and I had a lovely morning drinking tea and relaxing, opening our stockings and reveling in playing with our shiny prezzies. 12:30 snuck up on me, but I quickly changed up and made it out the door.
I will admit to not having done yoga in at least six weeks save for a couple of short at-home sessions. I have let the weather get the better of me. Each night I get home and the sun has nearly set. It is cold. Once I enter my warm, candle-lit cozy home, I do not want to leave. I have been extra draggy and fatigued since the onset of November. I have been practically hibernating since then, going to bed extra early and sleeping later in the mornings than I usually do. I have barely been able to keep my eyes open at work. I have been feeling the lack of sun acutely in body.
I knew that I would need to allow myself small resting periods. Being inactive for six weeks is not conducive to 108 sun salutations. I knew I would be sore. I knew it would be a challenge. But I also knew that it I needed it. A yoga mala seemed like a good way to honor the transition from fall to winter while also providing a reset button for my body.
There were six people present plus the instructor, Sienna. We arranged our mats in a circle. Sienna placed a white seven day candle in front of our mats. We passed the lighter around so we could light our candles. Before I lit mine, I focused on the qualities (strength, endurance, motivation, energy) I wanted to cultivate this season.
We did four sets of twenty-seven sun salutations. Each round had its own dedication. The first round is dedicated to personal transformation; the second round to family, friends, and anyone we have unresolved conflict with; the third round to the world; and the final round is dedicated to the Source. The instructor kept time by moving beads from one singing bowl to another. During the salutations she counted in Sanskrit. At the beginning of each new set she would remind us of the dedication. Towards the end of each set, she would have us take five full breaths in an upright position, our hands in prayer at our hearts, taking a moment to rest and focus on our dedications.
The first set:
I was enthusiastic and energetic. I completed all twenty-seven. By the end of it my arms were really fatigued and my hamstrings were starting to cry out. I wondered how I would make it through the next three rounds. Also, I had only eaten a light breakfast hours before the mala so I was not sufficiently nourished for such an intensive practice.
The second set:
I spent a good chunk of in child’s pose. I got light headed when I stood so I remained still for another couple of rounds. I finished the set doing modified salutations.
The third set:
I would complete a few rounds, then would stand with my eyes closed for a couple. I did this for the whole set with a couple of child’s poses thrown in. Most of my salutations were modified. My whole body was fatigued and achy.
The final set:
This set was the sweet spot. Sienna told us there would be no words, just our breaths. She encouraged us to keep going and to keep time with each other. The only sounds in the room was our synchronized inhales and exhales, the flow of our bodies moving upward and downward together, the clink of the beads, and the single gong of the bowl at the top of each round.
I transcended my body. I dissolved into the sounds of our breath. I felt the living, moving prayer in the act of our synchronized movement. I no longer was aware of the fatigue and achiness. My body felt light; my heart full of joy.
And then it was over.
One hundred and eight salutes to the sun passed in the blink of an eye. From there we moved to the floor and practiced restorative yoga before moving into our final pose, savasana.
For the rest of the day, I felt full of energy and inspiration. I made a soup from scratch without following a recipe. I let my creative (and hungry) heart lead the way. I whipped up a loaf of jalapeno cornbread. I soaked in a hot bath. I went to bed early with a happy heart.
The best part though, is that I woke up Monday morning feeling energized and fully awake. The fatigue and dreariness of the last six weeks melted away. I baked the final batch of cookie dough lingering in the fridge. I made icing. I plated food for that night’s book club to store in the fridge. I felt blissful and refreshed. My post-mala morning recalled those lovely summer mornings of activity.
I revel in recalling this lovely energy on this day of solstice, the shortest day of the year. The day that truly embodies the season ahead with the knowledge that while more cold weather and too short days are still ahead of us, paradoxically the days will be slowly lengthening from here on out until we reach the pinnacle of the longest day that hearkens summer.
May you have the strength and endurance to call forth your own light in this season of darkness.
