It’s the time of year when all I want to do is lie in loose clothes, wool socks and a blanket over my chest, reading or staring off into the distance or watching something nostalgic. The past week we’ve had so much rain and darkness, the whole of Vancouver probably felt the same way.
The season pulls me deep into reflection, not only on the past year but where I’ve been, this time of year, at other moments in my life.
The holiday season is bittersweet for a lot of us as it’s scheduled time off from our regular scheduled programming or to get away from the every day by getting on a plane/train/bus. For some it’s full of family time, travel, for other’s it’s reading War And Peace – my dad’s tradition for many many years. It can feel like more of the same, busy busy busy, and/or it can feel quiet and reflective. What I’ve learned is I like a bit of both.
My mother always loved this time of year, the lights, the bustle on the streets, the holiday “cheer” wafting through the air. It also made her sad, a piece I didn’t understand until after she passed. As we age, we remember the times before, some that are no longer. I would often find my mother tearing up with certain Christmas songs or watch her stare off remembering something, with tears in her eyes. I have begun to to do the same. Songs, smells or images transport me to other times that leave me teary eyed.
As we inch our way to the darkest day of the year, winter solstice, it makes sense to be spending more time in my internal landscape. We are in the “dead of winter”. So much has changed, some chapters have closed, others are just beginning. I read a meme somewhere about how important it is to “settle ourselves after big moments” and I think this is the time of year we are invited to do just that. Settle in and feel all that was transpired.
I’ve been sitting with the decisions I’ve made that have brought me to this moment, this place. From expanding the in person events (retreats and trainings) I’m offering to the opening the virtual studio, Practice With Clara. Deciding to have a child. Moving back to Vancouver from NYC 10 years ago this winter. Saying yes to some things and no thank you to other things. And boom! Here I is.
For You To Chew On….
As always, I appreciate your insights.
Happy holidays,
💚 Clara
Round We Go – Spotify Playlist
My Friends & Neighbors – TV show
Some of my go to holiday music –
New members get
14-days FREE!
Sign up for a recurring subscription and get access to hundreds of different yoga classes and join the weekly LIVE yoga class.
“There’s no more space in there”, I say to Alejandro as I crawl into bed Friday night April 3, 2020. I am bone tired. The
April 21st marks the anniversary of my mother’s passing. Every year, I honor my mother by doing an activity she loved. One year I went
I’m preparing for the Spring Equinox retreat coming up this week and getting excited. Retreats are one of my favorite ways to be in community
I’m a sucker for synchronicities. My father reminded me this week that when you experience synchronicities “you’re on the beam”, meaning you’re on the right
