Glimmers
Our February practice
Welcome to February, a wee glimmer in the fist of winter. The season is doing its work on us, as it should this time of year.
Seas have been rough here in Scotland, mostly too choppy for swimming. The latest storm cleared away a startling volume of coastal dunes, altering the topography of our beaches. In the predawn I’ve been sitting with the howling wind, listening in earnest for its messages. They are, as ever, encouraging us to lean into what’s happening. Reality as it is.
What can we do but sit with ourselves and each other, turning our palms open toward the moment, and this one, and this one…
There is of course a little more light each day now. We’ve just passed the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. It’s not totally dark, and not too light yet, my 7 year old noted one morning this week as I made his toast. Yes, the balance is shifting, slowly. Throughout each day I look at the sloth drawing he’s washi taped above my desk. Go with the slow — a fitting mantra for these fallow weeks. It feels I need this reminder constantly lately. A timely permission slip especially when my energy isn’t there.
Everyday illuminations
I think we can agree that we need glimmers now more than ever in this frayed world. Glimmers — moments of presence, softening, joy… awareness and connection that anchors our attention. Clear messages to our nervous system that we are here and held and safe. “…through glimmers we find the easiest and most accessible ways to feel that we can better handle whatever life throws at us…” says longtime teacher friend Nadia Narain in her new book Glimmers, co-authored with her sister Katia Narain Phillips. Nadia also generously shared some of her own practice notes recently with us here.
Winter has a way of clearing space and there’s no need to fill it in haste. Rather, stay with the slow, glimmering pace. Lingering in the deep exhale of a group gathered to practice together. Bracing walks with friends. Hearing birds sing when all is dark and quiet and still. Noticing the light illuminating curtains, again. Feeling the tide rolling in.
Glimmers abound — What are yours?
What do they feel like in your body?
Our practice
Lately I’ve been more grateful than ever for the profound calming effect of steadying my breath (audio practice below), remembering rest, the refuge of my mat, mobilising toward balance… Inviting you to turn toward the glimmers of your practice as we move into late winter. Subscribers can use the video library any time, as much as you like. A little, often, I suggest.
In the meantime offering you this brief practice — 5 minutes to slow and steady your breathing and yourself, right where you are. Practice and feel the difference.
See you on the mat and page soon.
