Warmth
It’s easy for your muscles and joints to
become stiff in the cold winter season. We
shiver when we go outside. Our tendency
is to tighten up and hunch our shoulders
in defense of the cold. Practicing yoga,
its breathing techniques (pranayama)
and posture practice (asana), warms us
up from the inside out. Yoga increases
the flow of oxygen and life force (prana)
through our body. As our muscles relax,
we can stay warmer—on and off the yoga
mat.
Community
If you have spent a winter in New England, you’ve most likely heard the phrase “cabin
fever.” It’s easy to fall into a pattern of staying home where it’s warm and you don’t have to
deal with winter’s outdoor challenges. However, it doesn’t take long to go stir crazy and
to pine after warmer weather that is still months away. The key to not only surviving, but
also thriving in, a Vermont winter is to get out of the house and to be with other human
beings. Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, riding, and skating are sure ways to enjoy winter.
Being part of a community is another. Going to a yoga studio or gym or community
space to practice yoga will brighten your day. Everyone is there to breathe, move, and
share one another’s energy. A smile, a conversation, joyful yoga practice, a shared delight
can make your day. You don’t even have to speak with anyone. Just the feeling of commu-
nity is enough to raise your spirits. Being with others in a warm, safe space will diminish
any feelings of cabin fever and pave the way to winter’s treasures.
“Teach me what I cannot learn alone. Let us share what we know, and what we cannot
fathom. Speak to me of mysteries, and let us never lie to one another. May our fierce and
tender longing fuel the fire in our souls. When we stand side by side, let us dare to focus our
desire on the truth. May we be reminders, each for the other, that the path of transformation
passes through the flames. To take one step is courageous; to stay on the path day after day,
choosing the unknown, and facing yet another fear, that is nothing short of grace.”
- Sangha by Danna Faulds
Breathing
For example, if you are sitting on a chairlift
or watching a hockey game on a cold
winter day, long slow inhalations and
exhalations will increase your body
temperature and help direct your focus
toward presence of mind.
“Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out
I smile. Dwelling in the present moment. I
know this is a wonderful moment.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh
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