Winter
21 December - 20 March
Water Element
Bladder and Kidneys
Svadhisthana Chakra (sacral)
Yin season
The 21st of December is the Winter solstice - the shortest day and the longest night. Earths energy has gone to ground. Winter is a season of yin, the passive female principle of the universe, it offers us the opportunity to rest and nurture ourselves. We often feel a little more emotional and sensitive this time of year as it's a time for introspection and reflection. We try to learn to "go with the flow" of life, instead of trying to control or fight it. Facing our fears to regain courage and turning inwards to find the answers to our questions about life and the universe.
Water Element
The Water Element represents all forms of water and represents the season of winter. It is connected to cold, hibernation and darkness.
"going with the flow of life"
Too much energy flowing through this energy centre - excessive will power, bullish, overly careful, rigid, determined, bad listener, selfish
Too little energy - apprehensive, fearful, timid, superstitious, careless, lack of drive
Balanced energy - motivated, imaginative, good listener, introspective, inventive, profound
The Meridians (energy lines):
Bladder - starts inner corners of the eyes, up the forehead, the crown of the head, down the back of the head, spine, buttocks, thighs, calves, ankles, sides of the feet to outside of little toe
Kidneys - starts in the ball of the foot, inner ankle, inner leg, public bone and up the centre of the body to the inner tip of the collar bone.
Svadhisthana/Ajna Chakra
The sacral chakra is associated with the realm of emotions. It’s the centre of our feelings and sensations.
The brow chakra is also linked to winter for the ability to look within. Ajna is associated with inner wisdom, the courage to accept the light and dark sides of the psyche.
Yoga Practice
As our energy begins to slow down, we also slow down the pace of our yoga practice. Using longer holds, postures lower down to the ground, repetition and simple poses - so as to not "overload" the tired mind. Yin is the perfect style of yoga to practice in winter, with it's longer holds and deeply internal focus.
Postures for Winter: