THEME: “relax and reflect”
As we see this year drawing to an end, it is a good time to reflect on our year. It has definitely presented its challenges, but some good has come of it too.
Have you been able to use some of your mindful toolkit to help see you through? Maybe you are feeling more resilient? Or even just happy to have opened your mind to these practices.
However this year has been for you, however you feel, well done. Let go and allow yourself to forgive and welcome in some warm and nurturing practices this holiday season. You’ve seen it through and have set aside time to support yourself and those around you. This theme is here to provide a chance for you to relax, unwind, and see out the year in the best way possible.
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GUIDED MEDITATION
Watch the short explainer video by Jen, that describes how to settle in with a meditation.
MEDITATION: “It’s cosy by the fire”
What seems like an end is also a beginning.. and this practice is for you to take a moment in stillness. Find a sense of inner warmth and peace through this guided visualisation.
Time: 10 minutes
When to practice: TO INVITE IN WARMTH AND COMFORT
“Imagine watching a fire.. it is flickering yellows and oranges… you hear the wood crackling. Feel the warmth of the fire on your face and the blanket on your body. Smell the wood, and festive smells of pine, cinnamon and orange. You feel so calm here. You are safe here.”
Grab a blanket and get cosy. You can do this anytime yourself, or with your family members too. Simply click on the video and settle in.
We are here for you, for them.
YOGA poses: RELAX AND RESTORE
The poses for this theme serve to relax and restore. As the year draws to a close, there comes a time for the need to pause, take a moment to ourselves and maybe reflect on all we have come through this year. These poses serve to gently restore the body and mind by softly opening the heart and allowing a moment to let go.
(FOLLOW ALONG WITH JEN IN THE VIDEOs BELOW.)
Breathing exercise: WARM HANDS, WARM HEART
This breathing technique helps create heat in the body and refocuses your attention. It is good for those moments when you need to feel a boost of warmth and focus in the day! Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs and diaphragm, as much as you can, while rubbing your hands together, then cover your mouth with your hands and slowly breathe out of your mouth with a ‘haaaa’ sound.
Repeat this as many times as needed.
(watch the video below FOR GUIDANCE WITH JEN)
“RELAX AND REFLECT” MANTRA
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
REFLECT ON THE YEAR
Take some time to sit with yourself and think about all that you achieved this year. Remember that through these challenging times you are still here! Honour yourself and appreciate your strength and resilience.
POSITIVE NIGHTS
Try to end each night on a positive. Just as we wish to end our year, see if you sleep better and feel better if you end each day with a positive thought. Tomorrow is a new day full of fresh possibility!
COSY PROPS
Have you found a routine for your practice and settled in with things that help you feel relaxed and calm for your meditations, breathing exercises and restorative poses? Maybe it’s a certain blanket, jumper or pillow you like to use? Keep these items handy for when you practice so you’ll always be as cosy as can be.
RELAXING BACKGROUND MUSIC (and one for fun to celebrate what you’ve come through!)
Our recommendations this month for positive affirmation and when you need a boost!
WITH GRATITUDE
