{"id":267980,"date":"2020-12-18T08:44:42","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T13:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/?p=267980"},"modified":"2020-12-18T08:44:42","modified_gmt":"2020-12-18T13:44:42","slug":"return-to-light-yoga-for-the-winter-solstice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/ko\/journal\/return-to-light-yoga-for-the-winter-solstice\/","title":{"rendered":"Return to Light: Yoga for the Winter Solstice"},"content":{"rendered":"

“You are what your deepest desire is.<\/strong><\/em>
\n As your desire is, so is your intention.<\/strong><\/em>
\n As your intention is, so is your will.<\/strong><\/em>
\n As your will is, so is your deed.<\/strong><\/em>
\n As your deed is, so is your destiny.”<\/strong><\/em>
\n \u2013The Upanishads<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The new solar year is upon us as the Earth begins her to tilt back toward the Sun, signifying the completion of another life cycle before the emergence of spring. For thousands of years the Winter Solstice has been celebrated around the world\u2014acknowledging the shortest day of the year as a return to light, a return to innocence; a rebirth along the wheel of life as the great world continues to spin.<\/p>\n

This spiritual homecoming has metamorphosed into what we know in Western cultures as Christmas on December 25. Long before that, the\u00a0Pagan festival\u00a0Saturnalia<\/a>\u00a0had marked the start of winter, as did the birthday of the “invincible” sun god Sol Invictus\u00a0during the golden age of the Roman Empire. In Ancient Egypt, January 6 was first recognized as winter’s coming, which was later adopted by Christianity as the Feast of the Epiphany.<\/p>\n

In modern times, this solar standstill<\/a> falls on December 21, coinciding with the start of Capricorn season in astrology. During this cycle, we are invited to realign with our goals and ideals as we look toward the new year ahead\u2014despite the chaos of the holiday season as the calendar turns. Capricorn is symbolized by the unusual paradox that is the Sea Goat, a testament to the persistent energy of this ambitious, yet grounded earth sign. Ruled by Saturn, the tough teacher planet known throughout astrological lore as \u201cFather Karma,\u201d Capricorn reminds us that while it is okay to have lofty dreams and grand visions, they must also be rooted in reality.<\/p>\n

By setting intentions<\/a>\u00a0at the Winter Solstice, we can clarify them during Capricorn season and beyond. As we lay out the framework for our plans, we are building a path that lights the way through the darkness of winter and guides us toward our brightest future. Through continued refinement of our goals, a willingness to understand that mistakes will be made, and that we may need to change course along the way, intentions are little stepping stones that lead us like a compass toward our highest potential. An intention is the starting point of a dream; what makes the unconscious conscious. It is the creative power that fulfills our heart’s desires, be it career or relationships, money or material things, personal or spiritual ascension. In essence, an intention is an epiphany in action. A-ha!<\/em><\/p>\n

Much like our yoga practices, our intentions are always in flux\u2014and are changing from moment to moment. Through the ritual of practice, the intentions we set in motion will inevitably become second nature, as old layers, habits and selves begin to fall away in this great unraveling toward the Self; our truest\u00a0<\/em>nature. And like a seed, an intention must be planted, nourished and given patience. But an intention cannot grow if we cling to it\u2014it must be released outwardly to make itself known to the universe.<\/p>\n

Activate your intentions for the new year by turning inward and awakening your inner fire; by learning to see in the proverbial dark. Think of the Winter Solstice as the fourth and final movement of your 2017 life-symphony, and try these six yoga circuits: a series of dynamic, core-powered sequences to amplify your practice. Synchronize your breath to movement that’s strong and intuitive. Go slowly, and let go of what no longer serves you so that you may clear the slate for all that is coming your way.<\/p>\n

SEQ I. Ancient Eye Activation<\/h3>\n