winter project

Little did I know that on that cold day in January 1974, I was embarking on a lifetime of winter projects. I was in residence at my college, but the official start of term was in February. The month of January was devoted to student-led workshops, and I had signed up for Improvisation for Actors.

Over the years, I have come to devote the month of January to the study of a single topic. Last year was the year of Japanese Bento Lunches, and the year before was Daily Art Journal (my first attempt at the embodiment project.

This year, my winter project is Yoga. I have studied yoga in the past, but never devoted a whole month to it. I am generally sports-phobic, and can thank the schools I attended as a child for that. They didn't teach movement or fitness. Just sports, endless sports, taught with no compassion or encouragement. Too much heartiness, too much yelling, too much intimidation. Just too much altogether for a quiet child who was raised with respect and encouragement. Still too much for a quiet woman who views her body as once broken, now mended, and still as sacred vessel of Goddess-spirit.

Yoga doesn't trigger my sports-phobia. There is an emphasis on adaptation, of modifying the routine to meet the needs of your body. It is taught with gentle encouragement. It's not about winning and losing, or being told you are not as good as anyone else. Yoga accepts you as you are today, and only asks that you listen to your body and honor the sensations that arise during your practice.

I am working with the Kripalu Gentle Yoga DVD, doing alternate halves of the practice each day. Sudha is a compassionate and encouraging narrator.

I am grateful that my gentle stetches and poses fill my body with vitality and warmth. I look forward to the serenity that my practice will bring me.