Reflection, appreciation : an annual audit

The silence of mid-winter is an invitation to our personal stillness. As December closes we are poised to leave one year behind and transition into the new. It is natural to pause and reflect upon what has gone before and what is to come.

I would encourage a positive bias. Choosing to recall those experiences that were uplifting, nourishing and joyful. This can be formalised into a prayer or meditation, a closing ritual for the old year. Getting into a mode of appreciation sets the tone for welcoming in yet more postive experiences into our lives.

Holiday facial skincare: stress relief

At this time of year, despite our best intention, it is likely that the skin on our face skin is under stress. The sun is farthest away on it's annual cycle, so our energy levels are likely to be low; an indoor, sedentary lifestyle leads to a sluggish metabolism, we are prone to puffiness and fluid retention.

If we do venture outdoors the combination of cold dry air and wind leads to dryness. Our centrally heating homes can exacerbate the drying effect. Not to mention the rich food and drink, including alcohol that for many forms an integral part of the holiday celebrations.

So what do do? On one hand we need to boost our metabolism and vitality through taking exercise, a brisk walk is ideal as we also receive sunlight which benefits us on many levels. However I would advise applying a sunblock to protect delicate facial skin from excessive UV.

Apply an enriched day cream such as Dr Haushka's Rose Day Cream, to optimise moisture levels. Avoid overly spicy foods, ensure you are taking sufficient EFAs, try adding cold-pressed flax or hemp seed oil to meals or take an evening primrose oil supplement orally. To humidify a centrally heated home, add essential oils to a bowl of hot water and allow to diffuse. Orange is brightening and sweetening or try mandarin for a more subtle citrus flavour.

Surya: the hindu Sun God

Om suryaya namaha

It's the holiday season and while most are focussing on Christmas, some people are honouring the winter solstice, which occurred today; representing the shortest day.

From now on, whilst still in midwinter, we can look forward to lengthening hours of daylight and the promise of spring ahead as the sun returns. In yoga, the sun is worshipped through the surya namskara, the sun salutations, traditionally practiced just before dawn to herald the coming day.

This morning I offered my personal practice to Surya, the hindu deity representing the sun. In classic depiction he rides resplendent across the heavens in a horse-drawn chariot, appearing at dawn, the embodiment of will-power, vitality and courage.

Open day, Rowan Centre, Glastonbury High Street

You may already be aware, that the Ashtat Centre at the top of Glastonbury High Street has new owners. Sue and Pete Jennings hold a vison for continuing work in the creative and holistic arts. They have renamed the centre, henceforth it is to be known as the Rowan Centre.

Sue and Peter are hosting an open day this Saturday, 20th December. You are invited in for a chat, a mince pie and glass of mulled wine between 10am and 4pm and admire the recent redecoration and newly installed exhibition of paintings. You can take part in programme of talks and taster sessions including the Louise Hay method, emotional freedom technique and story telling.

I will be holding a (free!) 30 minute yoga session at 3pm, I'd love it if you could join me, why not pause your Christmas shopping for some gentle stress relief! No need to book, just turn up or if you're not in the mood to practice, just pop in and say hello!

For further details contact the Rowan Centre on: 01458 837881

BKS Iyengar of Pune turns 90 today

BKS Iyengar of Pune turns 90 today. This incredible man is well loved, internationally renown and respected by yogis of all disciplines. I studied with one of his senior students in South London for a period of several months.

The Iyengar method is characterised by a stringent regard for precision and alignment in the poses, faciliated by the use of props such as straps, blocks and bolsters. Iyengar teachers are rigorously trained to a high standard and exhibit a high degree of reverence for their guru, this is a classic system of yoga.

Iyengar's contribution to yoga is vast: a natural philosopher and scholar, he has produced several classic texts dealing with all aspects of the practice, most notably Light on Yoga. If you have not yet experienced the Iyengar method, the nearest dedicated studio is in Bristol. For further information on the great man and his fascinating life, check out the official website:

http://www.yogawest.co.uk/index.php
http://www.bksiyengar.com/

Goma in concert - review

Last Saturday I attended a concert by the family group Goma. Goma are talented spiritual musicians who offer their work in the name of their guru (teacher), Mahavatar Babaji. The programme consisted of mantra (prayer) and bhajan (song); both aspects of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. Music flowed seamlessly for 2 hours, the singing accompanied by traditional musical instruments played by Gopal Hari & Ambika (pictured) and their sons. The evening was well attended by friends and familiar faces from Glastonbury; it was an uplifting and rewarding experience and I look forward to their next local appearance. Below is a link to Goma's schedule, hosted on the main Babaji UK website, where you also can find further information about Babaji. Audio CD's of Goma's music are available for purchase from Hemp in Avalon, Marketplace, Glastonbury.

http://www.ombabaji.org.uk/calendar.htm