Thaw your Freeze

As the cold winds of winter surge in, our bodies and minds undergo a subtle but profound shift,
mirroring the changes of nature. The physical and mental manifestations of this season impact
our yoga practice, inviting us to cultivate awareness, patience, and self care.

That sudden realization of winter’s arrival, when the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, can invite lethargy and heaviness in. The temptation to cocoon ourselves indoors and succumb to a state of inertia becomes stronger. Yet, it is precisely during this time that our yoga practice can aid in our journey—can serve as a guiding light, gently coaxing us out of hibernation.

In a recent class, as I guided my students through their flow, I couldn’t help but notice the cracks and pops emanating from their joints. With a gentle smile, I explained that these sounds were to be expected during “vata season.” Winter, with its cold, brooding, and slowed down qualities, often leaves our bodies feeling stiff and creaky. Take advantage of your practice during this time. Allow it to serve as a nurturing balm…an “antifreeze” so to speak, offering warmth and mobility to your joints and muscles.

During the YinYasa, I always remind students to tap into the sensations that arise during practice, and then let whatever those feelings are just be. Don’t try to address it or fix them or make it go away. It’s there for a reason. The same rings true for the sensations and symptoms that manifest during this season––acknowledge and tune in.

The practice of yin yoga is rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the
concept of yin and yang—the balance between stillness and movement, stability and change. In
the context of winter, yin yoga helps us embrace the yin qualities of the season—introspection,
receptivity, and restoration.

Just as a slowness blankets the winter months, our practice benefits from more introspective
and grounding approaches. Embrace restoration. Send your legs up the wall or surrender to the
support of your bolsters and blocks. Breathe deeply. From the depths of your belly. Really
experience the breath. Meditate. Can you find the still point amidst the chaos? Tune into the
present and honor the rhythms of the season. Come home to yourself and take refuge in your
inner island.

So, instead of dreading the winter months and what they bring to our brains and our bodies,
welcome it with open arms. Take the opportunity to reflect, restore, and renew. As you move
across your mat, and out in the world, honor the wisdom of your body and the season that
surrounds it. Notice the subtle shifts happening all throughout your body and mind. Embrace the
cracks and pops as a reminder of your body’s resilience and adaptability. Let the fluidity of the
movement be a celebration of the strength within you waiting to be awakened. Just as nature
sheds its leaves and enters a period of dormancy, allow yourself to shed old habits and beliefs
that no longer serve you too.

Peace.

BY IMANI CAUTHEN-ROBINSON

Join Imani each Thursday evening at 7:30 at Soulage and let Yinyasa be a gentle companion on your journey inward.