Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

If I had it my way this month, I’d spend less time ‘out in the world’ and more time in my pajamas cuddled up on the couch in front of my fire place. And why shouldn’t I? All of nature is doing it!

Through out winter, the earth contracts, stops producing, and slows down to allow its inner energy reserve to accumulate. When winter thaws, this stored energy bursts into spring, allowing the earth to produce abundantly again. Like the earth, we too go through cycles of contraction and expansion. We need to slow down and pull in so that we replenish our energy instead of depleting our reserves during this vulnerable time of year.

I used to feel guilty about having this pull to slow down (if I felt it at all). I have long been an overachiever of sorts - keeping pace with the urban world, holiday celebrations, or simply feeding my desire to feel ‘stimulated’ and ‘purposeful’. But these days, after years of yoga practice, I find myself much more influenced by and responsive to nature’s rhythms.

And, on December 22, nature moves us through yet another one of her cycles! On this day, in the Northern Hemisphere, we will enter the darkest moment of the year. This day marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night. In Latin, the meaning of Winter Solstice is ‘sun set still in winter.’ Historically, many cultures honor the solstice as a time to acknowledge the passage of life and death, death and rebirth; our greatest contraction and expansion. For after the long dark evening of the solstice, the sun experiences a rebirth; it waxes in power and daylight hours begin to grow longer again.

We can maximize and harmonize our bodies, minds and spirits to flow more naturally with this turning point, and even be nourished by it. This issue of Yogalicious offers you inspiration to align with nature and savor this transition through slowing down, letting go, and kindling your inner glow.

May you, your loved ones, and all beings everywhere experience peace, warmth, and light this season, and all seasons!

P.S. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM FEATHERED PIPE RETREATS! Feathered Pipe is offering $100 off Blooming Open In Paradise with Jillian March 8-14, through December 20. Limited rooms available, discount will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Oh and Jet blue is running special low airfares to Cancun for around $450. http://www.yogajillian.com.

P.S.S Also below is a gift certificate for a FREE YOGA CLASS with me at Devotion Yoga! Spread the cheer and send it along to ALL your friends. Or print it out and put it in your holiday cards or on your presents. And, come enjoy free yoga classes ALL DAY at Devotion Yoga’s Open House on January 8th. Visit www.devotionyoga.com

With great love,
Jillian

We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal thinking. We move along the surface of things but there are times when we stop. We sit still. We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper. - James Carroll    back to top

We had our first snow fall last week. Fluffy large flakes floated slowly through the air. My 4 year old son William didn’t seem to hear me rushing him into the car. Instead, he walked leisurely and gleefully with his mouth wide open trying to catch snow flakes on his tongue. I was focused on not getting stuck in rush hour traffic, and his meandering did not fit my schedule. But his wide eyes and delighted smile inspired me to take a deep breath and let go. After all, who doesn’t have a few extra minutes to catch snow flakes?

It seems to go this way a lot actually… I always feel like I have to ‘get somewhere’ and ‘do something’ and William on the other hand, never seems to be interested in ‘getting anywhere.’ Instead, he is hyper engaged in the sights, sounds and people on the way. And, thank god! I have a built in reminder to ‘take time to enjoy the ride.’ With William by my side things slow down. We often get in random conversations with people from cashiers to crossing guards, dog owners to waitresses. (And William is not a fast talker, as we wait for him to form each thought in to a word!). Experiencing this level attention and presence is yoga! Engaging in the moment to moment movement of a pose and the breath, as opposed to rushing through the movements to get to the end shape, only to then move on to the next shape. Being rushed and in a hurry doesn’t allow time for the body, mind or soul to integrate and fully experience or enjoy life, which is composed of small, ordinary moments, like watching snow fall from the sky, or waves rise from the ocean; having a spontaneous conversation with a stranger, or lingering over a meal. With William around to guide me, my practice lasts well off the mat too! Try it through out your day. And if you can’t slow down when on your way, actually take a ‘10 minute slow down break’ to just do nothing but enjoy where you are - look out the window and observe what’s happening out there, slow down your meal, or sit and just listen to some soothing music. Once you begin to slow down, you’ll tap into the natural rhythm with in and around you more. And with a little practice, you’ll find yourself pulled to slowing down more spontaneously.     back to top

1. If you do only one thing: Sip warm water all day long! Keeping your body hydrated will go so far. Not only is the air around you dry, but your inner body is drying out in this season, organs, tissues, ect. Eat lots of soup and stews.
2. Take a Walk outside in sun light when ever possible. Even if only for a few minutes a day. Let your body soak up the vitamin D
3. Take three deep breaths when you are waiting in line, stuck in traffic, or on hold on the phone.
4. Take a day to stay in your Pajamas!
5. Cut your dessert servings or sugary foods down in half. The sugar can be depleting on many levels and contribute to winter blues!   back to

Whether for a few hours, a day, or a week, the turn of seasons is an essential time to slow down for some sort of Retreat. Retreat literally means to withdraw or step back. Taking this time helps you break the cycle of habitual living and creates an environment for us to regain perspective on our life - to revive our energy, and reconnect to that which is most important to us. We see, hear and feel more clearly after a retreat. We can retreat any time really. For an instant retreat at work, enjoy a slow walk around the block and enjoy the sights, smells, movement of your body, and air moving in and out of your lungs. Or, take a whole day, stay home and turn off your cell phone, computer and television. Spend time doing yoga, soak in a warm bath, journal, play music, create art, meditate, write a letter or cook. Eat a warm nourishing meal by candlelight. If your budget allows, get a way for a night and stay in an inspiring natural environment like the beach, country, or mountains (but I’ve even retreated to the hotel in the neighboring town before!) And if you have the time to enjoy a longer get a way retreat – come join me for a winter retreat at the Mohonk Mountain Spa for a Yoga and Spa weekend, or a Spring retreat in Mexico March 8-14. I have been experiencing quite a few retreats a year since 1998 and I’d love to share the joy with you! (see details below.)back to top

I’ve been told that this is the ultimate 20 minute mini retreat! Relaxmore with Jillian http://www.cdbaby.com/pransky (share it with those you love!)  back to top

Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani). Relaxing with your legs elevated up a wall or on a chair may seem simple, but it has incredible rejuvenating effects on your whole being! Even if this is the only pose you do all day, you’ll experience its powerful effects. Your venous blood is taken from the legs to the heart for purification without any strain because of the force of gravity. Your heart relaxes, as it does not have to work to pump the blood. Oxygenated blood is circulated to the chest area, reliving numerous respiratory stresses and ailments. The thyroid gland may be gentle stimulated, which increases metabolism. The pose helps calm the mind and aids in headaches, digestion, elimination and insomnia. (It is also good for varicose veins). Doing it is simple: Lie flat on the floor and rest your legs on a chair or up the wall. It’s nice to place a blanket both under your body and over your body. Take your time to make sure your body is in a comfortable position and that you feel balanced and symmetrical every where. Gently stay aware of your breath, moving in and out of your body, as you relax. Stay in the pose for 1-5 minutes. The more you practice; you can increase your time up to 15 minutes. Check out these tips I wrote for Yoga Journal http://yogajournal.com/practice/2317  back to top

This organization will take the snow pants you grew out of and give them to someone in need. http://www.swagusa.org/home.asp  back to top

News to Light Up your Winter Solstice! - $100 Holiday Gift from Feathered Pipe (valid on poolside rooms. Only a few left. Good until Dec 20.) And Jet Blue is running special to Cancun until Dec 10!

Join Jillian in Isla Mujeres Mexico March 8 - 14, 2008.

“This is the perfect vacation: beautiful place, inspiring people, and fantastic yoga. It was simply amazing.” – Pamela 2004.

“The yoga in paradise retreat was healing sun, white sand, gleaming stars, gentle breezes, swaying hammocks, no clocks and yoga yoga yoga. Two words for you, just go!" – Renee 2001

Come relax and renew with soft white sand, crystal Caribbean water, golden sunshine, and delicious yoga. We will share a two-hour yoga practice each morning and six evening classes throughout the week. The rest of the time is yours to vacation in paradise however you desire.

Visit http://www.yogajillian.com for more information.

To register call Feathered Pipe at 406 442 8196. Feathered Pipe’s travel agent can help coordinate your discounted airfare too!

“We had such an amazing time. Our hearts are overflowing with Sunshine!...The friends (old and new), the great laughs and laying around, the yoga, the meditations, the food, the breezes - I could go on and on --thank you for organizing such a wonderful opportunity to enjoy life!!!” – Michele. 2002

Find your own perfect balance of renewal, rest, and play at this incredible make-your-own spa retreat. You will be deeply nourished by the spectacular natural landscape, as The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House is perched atop legendary cliffs above a pristine mountain lake. Since 1869, this historic unique mountaintop resort has been an extraordinary destination for the renewal of body, mind, and spirit.

During the weekend make your own schedule and choose all or any of Jillian’s four yoga classes or Nina’s meditation sessions. Indulge in a world class menu of spa treatments, sit by the fire in the solarium, soak in the out door heated mineral pool; enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool and state of the art fitness center. You may also try Pilates, Qigong, aerobics and water classes. For the outdoor lover there is incredible hiking, ice skate, and cross country skiing right on the grounds. For family’s there is a kid’s camp and baby sitting. This weekend is appropriate for students of all levels but will be geared mainly towards beginners. Classes will be large as this is a very popular get-a-way.

For complete brochure visit: http://dev.tigglobal.com/Mohonk/pdfs/YogaMeditation08.pdf

For over view of Mohonk visit http://www.mohonk.com    back to top

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something - For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times - During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations - Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge - Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes - They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary - Because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. back to top

As always, I thank you for joining me here! I am grateful to have this opportunity to share with you. I would love to hear your ideas or suggestions. Please email me if you have an email address change or would like to add a friend to this distribution.

HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.

With Joy, Jillian

FREE YOGA CLASS
With Jillian Pransky. www.yogajillian.com Saturdays 9:45. Devotion Yoga. 79 Hudson Street. Hoboken NJ. 07087 Valid through February 1, 2008 Please call in advan