A magical midwinter yoga class

It was the day after the winter solstice. The wind was whipping around the village hall as we moved through our poses. Francesca had put some drops of sandalwood oil on us, it smelt warm and comforting. The Unthanks’ stirring winter folk songs played in the background. Candles flickered as we stirred stiff muscles and soothed aching bones.

Thoughts of adventures that could come in the new year popped into my head. As we focused on our feet, I saw walks on sun-baked paths, green cliffs slipping into blue seas... Smiles and laughter.

Francesca encouraged us to mark the solstice by following an ancient ritual. Feet on the ground, we gathered in from our sides and in front of us all the things we wished to let go of and be free of from the old year. With flowing arms and pushing hands, we gathered, pushed and exhaled, gathered, pushed and exhaled. We were all pushing towards the hall door, when all of a sudden it flew wide open in a gust. We all gasped!

Now it was time to bring in what we want for the year ahead – hand over hand, pulling in a rope of wishes to our hearts, pull, pull. The hedgerows outside the hall were reverberating in the wind, the tree boughs creaking. We left the door open to let the winter air blow through and over us.

This is the time of year to slow down, regather and enjoy the quiet and the calm, Francesca said. I agreed. I don’t want it to be about the plastic and the presents and the parties and the purchases. It’s about gathering ourselves, sitting with the wind, watching what nature is doing, reflecting and thinking about what we want from this one wild life.

It was time to lie down for the gongs. Francesca brought them to life and their sounds thrummed through my eardrums. Somehow, I felt, it’s going to be a good year ahead.