We have just passed Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. This offically starts Winter season in many cultures. This year, Solstice coincides with a total eclipse of the Moon, creating an auspicious ending to the year.

The short day and long night is the balance point of Yin and Yang, and with Solstice, we are officially in Winter.

Winter is full Yin and has the characteristics of inactive, cool, damp, slow, feminine, and quiet as everything slows down. Our bodies instinctively want to rest, reflect, conserve and store energy. Giving ourselves time for introspection, rest, and conserving energy (Ch’i) prepares us for the outburst of growth and activity in the new year.

Yoga is effective to treat fatigue, combining movement, rest and stress reduction as it cultivates Chi (life force energy) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (Rest and Renew response). Practicing Yoga can address the physical, emotional and energetic causes of fatigue, and facilitate self-observation and self-inquiry.

Yoga can provide renewal and rejuvenation to the body’s energy centers, and a meditative and mindful practice brings awareness into an inner world and sharpens self reflection and insight.

Quieting the body mind with space to explore and experience physical, emotional and spiritual transformation is a deeply healing personal experience.

Try Twisting and Forward Fold poses like Janu Sirsasana – head to knee pose, Marichi 1 & 3 – seated twist,  Parighasana – gate pose, Viparita Karani – wide legged forward fold, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – bridge pose and Savasana – final relaxation.

We can live in harmony with the cycles of Natures for good health. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down, and our bodies instinctively understand this is a time to reflect, replenish, and conserve energy.