January 2026 Theme
By Jackie Hudson
With the shortest day just behind us and as the New Year 2026 dawns can I
wish you all a Happy New Year, full of positivity and new opportunities for
growth.
However, many people living in the Northern hemisphere find these winter
months challenging due to the lack of sunlight, colder weather and potentially
less social interaction often leading to low mood and energy.
We can take a leaf out of the Danes’ book and cultivate hygge “a form of
everyday togetherness” a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of
safety, equality , personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow. Especially
during the winter time this can mean creating a cozy, warm and safe
environment which encourages a hygge state of mind and feeling of wellbeing.
I remember a few years ago I was dreading the oncoming winter months and I
spoke to my teacher, Christine. I remember she told me to focus on the
Niyama, Svadhyaya (self-study). She said that winter time is a time to come to
ground, to study and reflect – for me this means having the luxury of spending
time reading, regular practice, journaling or meditation.
Also, perhaps the fifth Niyama – Ishvara pranidahna (surrender to a higher
power) – accepting uncertainty and finding peace in the present moment,
rather than obsessing over the future or past. Whether you are crafting,
working, teaching, meditating or cooking, giving your whole focus and
attention and then handing over the results to a higher power. With practice,
this can help to dissolve the ego and its need for control and cultivate a sense
of peace and surrender.
But as with all things there needs to be balance – even on colder days it is
important to get wrapped up and get outdoors and amongst nature. There is
plenty to see and notice the signs of winter and perhaps even the first glimpses
of spring. Observing the vastness of the sky or these cycles of nature helps to
foster a sense of humility and connection to something larger.
I hope this gives you some ideas and perhaps inspiration to lean into our yoga
principles or even a little Hygge!
Hari Om Tat Sat