CANDLELIGHT - WINTER SOLSTICE - YOGA EVENT
FROM THE WINTER SOLSTICE
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the winter solstice has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, as a way to mark the turning of the seasons and honor the return of the sun. In many cultures, the winter solstice was seen as a time of rebirth and renewal and was often marked with feasts, gift-giving, rituals, and ceremonies. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and occurs when the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky. This typically happens around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere.
INTO OUR RITUAL TO CELEBRATE IT
On the shortest day and longest night of the year this year, I had the honor of leading a special yoga event to mark the solstice, and it was a truly magical and memorable experience. From the candlelight atmosphere to the nourishing chai masala we shared, every aspect of the event was designed to bring a sense of warmth and connection to the colder months ahead. We embraced the darkness of the longest night of the year and welcomed in the light through mindful movement and meditation. It was a truly transformative evening, and I feel grateful to have shared it with such a wonderful group of people.
THE ROOM FULL OF CANDLES
The setting for our winter solstice yoga event was nothing short of magical. Our event took place in a beautiful room filled with the soft glow of candlelight, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. The warm glow of the candles added to the sense of intimacy and connection as we moved through our yoga and meditation practices, and the cozy atmosphere created a sense of comfort and ease. It was the perfect way to celebrate the longest night of the year, and the candlelight added an extra layer of beauty and meaning to the experience.
THE CORE PRACTICES
The yoga and meditation practices that I led at our winter solstice event were designed to honor the turning of the seasons and the return of the sun. A soft, gentle practice led us into a meditative state that we found through candle meditation. We focused on themes of renewal and rebirth and invited the participants to check how they would feel and set intentions for the coming months by journaling and actively reflecting on our thoughts through writing. The response to the practices was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with their breath and their bodies in such a peaceful, nourishing, and supportive environment. The feedback that I received was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants saying that they felt more grounded, present, and centered after the event.
SOME THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES
"I really enjoyed the candlelit evening, it was truly rejuvenating. Like a rebirth."
"I have attended two events, both beautiful. The last one was a magical experience. When Naima touched my forehead with the essential oil, I saw my heart illuminated with a beautiful golden light. I relaxed a lot... and thank you for this wonderful experience."
THE CHAI MASALA - SPICED TEA
The chai masala served at the event was truly a highlight for many of the attendees. The warm and spicy aroma of the tea immediately drew people in, and the rich and full-bodied flavor did not disappoint. The blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger gave the chai a warm and comforting taste, while the hints of nutmeg and cloves added a subtle kick. The chai masala was served in small cups with a side of steamed milk, allowing people to customize the type of milk for their tea. Many attendees commented on how the aroma of the spices and the warmth of the drink brought a sense of connection and celebration to the event, as people sipped their tea while journaling and enjoying the soothing beverage. Overall, the chai masala was a hit and added a special touch to the event, it was the perfect way to end the evening.
THE CONCLUSION AND MY MUSINGS
As I reflect on my experience leading our winter solstice celebration, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful group of people who participated. Organizing and guiding trout during this yoga ritual was a truly memorable and meaningful experience and one that I will always cherish. The energy in the room was electric, and the sense of connection and community that we fostered was truly special. Leading the event was a transformative experience for me, and I feel grateful for the insights and takeaways that I gained. The event sparked feelings of warmth and joy in me, at the end of each event I offer, I feel so inspired and in tune with my passion for sharing peace and care with others. I hope to carry that energy forward into the rest of the winter season and for the next events. I am already looking forward to them, and can't wait to see what the future holds."
THE INTEGRATION
As we come to the end of our blog post, I hope that you have enjoyed learning about our winter solstice yoga event. If you've ever attended a yoga class by candlelight, you know how special and intimate the experience can be. This event was a truly special and memorable experience, and I am grateful to have shared it with such a wonderful group of people.
I hope this piece of true life has inspired you to try incorporating yoga and meditation into your own celebrations of the winter solstice, and that you will join us for future events. Thank you for reading, and I welcome any comments or questions that you might have."
With Light & Love,
Naima
OM
