Lately, probably due to the season, I have been practicing Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra or yoga sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. It can be a practice on its own or done at the end of a “traditional” yoga movement class, Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, whatever style you prefer to practice. It is extremely relaxing and often initiated by a guided visualization. At its heart, Yoga Nidra is a quiet, meditative and restorative practice.
January is the season to restore, replenish and refresh for the new year. This is the time when bears, squirrels, and frogs burrow into their caves, nests, and bogs for their winter’s nap. We too should take note of nature and slow down to rest and rejuvenate ourselves for this New Year.
Winter knows to hush, still, listen, so the soul can speak. ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
When I first started teaching Yoga to kids, the kids were so excited for their YoPlay class. But I was quite 
surprised to learn that what excited them most was not the super fun yoga games, the silly stories or the new yoga poses but rather the quiet, cozy and reflective time at the end of class. The guided visualization and relaxation time was a real draw for them. They loved it. I realized then that these children craved this restorative time. They needed the rest and relaxation and knew it deep down.
For this reason, I chose “Silence is Golden” for the lesson this month. We can all benefit to slow down a little after the holiday season. We can all use a little quiet from the outside world and attend to ourselves, our minds and bodies, to really listen to our core needs.
How can you embrace this season of being quiet, cozy and reflective?
Can you encourage an earlier bedtime?
Can you make those snuggles while reading stories last just a little bit longer?
Can you eat a meal together without the noise of the TV or the distractions of thumbing through social media?
