WINTERING - A YIN PRACTICE FOR WINTER SOLSTICE
On December 21st, the Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year.
It is a time of rest, renewal, and turning our gaze inwards—for a time, at least, that is our own, even if it’s only a few minutes each day as we head towards what can often feel like the most chaotic time of the year: Christmas. Filled with gift-giving, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines, the solstice offers us, albeit briefly, an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and prepare for the slow and gradual return of the light. Lighter days, lighter nights, and, despite our chaotic world, the longing for a lighter heart.
This post is intended to support you during this time by exploring the ever-changing elements of nature alongside the inspirational wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Samkhya philosophy. These deeply traditional practices offer us profound insights that can be woven into the fabric of our dynamic, chaotic modern lives.
The Water Element and Winter Solstice
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the element of Water offers us guidance for this time of year and is the dominant force during the winter season. If you could imagine one word for water, what would it be? I often think of the word ‘flow’: water adapts and flows with its environment.
In TCM, it makes sense that Water governs the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are considered the body's reservoirs of energy and vitality. The kidneys sit just below the adrenal glands, which are responsible for regulating cortisol levels—often referred to as the “stress hormone.” That winter is a time to retreat and rest does not surprise me. Does it surprise you?
Despite the chaos of this time of year, winter offers us an opportune time to conserve our energy, much like nature does. If you look around at trees such as oak, beech, and sycamore, you’ll notice how they shed their leaves in autumn. They do this to conserve energy and water during the winter. Even heather and gorse, which are so rampant in Scotland, slow their growth and channel all their energy deep into their roots, preparing for the lighter days and warmth of spring. By reserving energy, they are ready to bloom when the time is just right.
Can you see how nature retreats and rests? We are all part of nature—so retreat and rest is exactly what we need, too.
Yin Yoga aligns almost perfectly with the qualities of Water.
The long-held postures and the passive nature of the practice offer the perfect invitation inwards—towards ourselves and our surrender. This allows us to explore the depths of sensation as we release year-long tensions stored in our fascia.
When practicing poses that stimulate the Kidney and Bladder meridians, such as Butterfly Pose and Child’s Pose, we may feel a subtle, almost watery flow of energy along the spine. This serves as a gentle reminder of the connection between our inner world and the natural rhythms of nature around us. It is a reminder of our homestead.
Observing the Stillness Within
Do you ever roll out your mat for yin yoga and find it so hard to just be still? Some days, your mind takes over—you’re fidgeting, picking at your toenail polish in Butterfly Pose, or silently screaming at the teacher to please end Dragon Pose because you’re feeling a bit sick. Does any of that sound familiar?
You’re not alone. This struggle is deeply rooted in Samkhya philosophy, one of the six classical schools of Indian thought and yoga. Samkhya offers profound insights into the duality of life, teaching us about two fundamental forces: Purusha, or consciousness, and Prakriti, often translated as "matter." However, Prakriti also encompasses our thoughts, ideas, and mental chatter.
Those racing thoughts, the constant urge to do something, and the restlessness we feel? That’s all Prakriti at work. It’s the active, dynamic force of matter that drives movement, change, and the endless “doing” we sometimes can’t stop. And that resistance to stillness? It’s simply part of being human—what Samkhya refers to as our Prakritik nature.
During a yin yoga practice, we can embody the principles of Samkhya by becoming the observer—Purusha—of our experience. As we settle into stillness, we allow sensations, thoughts, and emotions (Prakriti) to arise without judgment. This practice of witnessing cultivates self-awareness and detachment, enabling us to connect with a deeper sense of clarity and stillness. It empowers us to act from a place of intention rather than reacting impulsively to what arises within us.
The Winter Solstice offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on these dualities within ourselves and our lives. As we mirror the stillness of the natural world, we create space for transformation. By observing without attachment, we prepare ourselves for the renewal and growth that inevitably comes with the returning light.
Reflecting with Journaling
After your practice, take a moment to reflect. Journaling can be a powerful way to integrate your experience (which is what yoga is all about) and set intentions for the season ahead. Here are some journal prompts to guide you:
What does the Winter Solstice invite you to release? What have you been holding onto that you know, deep down, needs to be let go? It might not happen all at once, but awareness is the first step toward unburdening yourself.
How can you create more space for rest and renewal in your life? Can you carve out guilt-free time just for yourself, knowing that rest will refill your cup and enable you to support others without overwhelm?
What intentions do you wish to carry into the returning light? Remember, your intentions hold great power. With quiet stillness and belief, you can move mountains and inspire those around you.
Through Yin Yoga, we can align with the natural rhythms of the season, finding peace in the darkness and hope in the promise of light.
I hope this practice supports you through the solstice and beyond, offering a container for rest and renewal as you navigate the transition into a brighter season.
Happy Solstice & much love
Gem x
