Happy Winter Solstice

Source: Museum of Fine Art, Boston

Best wishes for enlightenment, outside and in!

I pray that you are well, navigating the darkness with courage and cheer, getting the rest you've earned, and time for the introspection that awakens inner wisdom.

If you're looking for ways to celebrate, here are some simple ideas:  8 Winter Solstice Traditions

If you're seeking revelations read this CBC 2018 Winter Solstice Horoscope.

Recognizing that this is a challenging time of year, to say the least, know that if you're grieving, there is help.  For a supportive yoga practice, contact Sandy:  Yoga for Grief Support

And if you would like some uplifting music for the longest night of the year here is a short YouTube playlist to get you started:

Yule (Winter Solstice) Song
Solstice Night
Wyrd Sisters - Solstice Carole
Ravens - Solstice Carole
Ring Out Solstice Bells - Jethro Tull
Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Longest Night of the Year

Tomorrow, the light begins its slow return.  Until then:

Go merry met, my gentle friends, let nothing you dismay The bright Son of our Lady comes birthing with the day To free us all from winter's grasp and mind us all of May Oh tidings of comfort and joy... Source

Summer Solstice with Satwinder Sran

I'm honored to be joining Satwinder Sran this Saturday, June 21 from 2-5pm for a Summer Solstice Celebration Fundraiser for the Guru Ram Das Center for Medicine and Humanology!

Satwinder says, "Join us for a powerful practice that can energize your system and give you renewal. Yogic practice on the summer solstice is said to be very potent and can set your energy for the next six months. Recharge yourself with yoga kriyas and meditations that connect you with your source of infinite energy and Healing".

I've been invited to sing, and share a chant for the earth, sky and heart, the Isht Sodhana Mantra! 

Celebrate the first day of summer, the light within and around us with yoga, meditation, chanting, and more!

Isht Sodhana Mantra: Chant for Presence

Dharti Hai (Earth is)...

Thank you Satwinder, for introducing me to the Isht Sodhana Mantra! 

A salutation to the earth, the ether and the energy of the heart, this mantra is referred to as the Mantra for Being Present.

I've been singing it to my own tune, which I will share at the Solstice, but if you're curious, here's one you can tune into today:   Dharti Hai by Gurunam Singh on YouTube

Yogi Bhajan said:  “My dear ones, you want your prayers to be effective. You want your ultimate destiny to manifest. This kriya can do it. I know there are thousands of kriyas that we do, but it just takes one done well and this is the one for isht sodhana to manifest.”

12/21/12

Winter Solstice

Kundalini Yoga, Gong and Meditation with Satwinder Sran

Kirtan with Tara Woltjen

Friday, December 21 6:00 to 9:00 pm

At Yoga Within: 9014 - 75 Street Edmonton

(780) 450-9642(YOGA)

Come celebrate the time when darkness rules!

This is the time of year the ancients considered the ‘Gateway to God.' The gods of the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians and Greeks were all born at this, the darkest time of the year, to bring light.

In this transition, expand beyond your imaginings to illuminate the Divine Light within!

Embrace this moment in the quiet cycle of life—Winter Solstice—to deepen your intentions.

Ask yourself:
What do I want to leave behind in 2012?
What do I want to bring forward for my Self in 2013?
What do I want to bring forward for the world in 2013?

          Cost $25 before Dec 21^st and $35 at door

Happy Solstice!

Happy first day of winter!  And happy return of the light!