Yoga in December

December is a potent month for we encounter the deep darkness of winter and dwell on the new year to come. In particular, Winter Solstice marks the start of winter. It is the shortest day of the year and denotes the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun. 

In Kundalini tradition, Winter Solstice is a powerful and important time to meditate. The energy of the Winter Solstice is that of going within. Darkness is a great teacher. It is where our inner light is born. From this deep darkness and silence, the soul’s inner yearnings and inspirations emerge. The Winter Solstice is a perfect time for release and rebirth.

Typically, on Winter Solstice, I ascend Mount Ashland with my cross-country skis and head to the mountain’s south side (away from the ski lodge) where I take in the beauty of the light on the snow-covered mountains, where the sun appears to rest in one place on the horizon. The stillness and silence that I experience up there instills in me a sense of awe for the beauty and magnitude of our earth and the life each of us has been given. Darkness descends early that day and I head home grateful for warm soup and a warm home. In resting peacefully in the darkness, we know and trust that the light will return. We are reminded that we are always connected to Source and our inner light never dims. 

New Year’s Eve is another powerful time for me personally.  On that day I like to sit quietly and list all that I’ve learned in the past year, all that I’m grateful for, and all that I hope to bring in for the new year.  I offer my prayers and set my intentions. This new year, 2025, aligns with the number 9, which in the Kundalini tradition is the Subtle Body (one of the 10 bodies). The Subtle Body asks: What is the real purpose of life?  It speaks to our sense of calmness, subtlety and mastery.  The year 2025 presents us with an opportunity to work with and know more deeply our Subtle Body, where mystery becomes mastery.

I hope you take the time to meditate during this winter solstice and new year season. Wishing you all a happy solstice, a happy new year, and a healthy and beautiful holiday season.