“Tranquillity is contagious; peace is contagious. One only thinks of the contagiousness of illness, but there is the contagion of serenity and joy.”

- Anais Nin

Something in the Air

December already, and something is in the air. Well, many things appear to be circulating. Everyone seems to have caught the first round of viruses as winter beds in. As germs enjoy their annual party and spread liberally throughout our communities, other contagions are also affecting us.

Did you catch the condition of abject frenzy around the Black Friday sales (I got myself a perfume and refuse to regret it!) Or maybe you’re feeling the fear and divisiveness that relentlessly cloud the air these days, so they start to infect our being, inflaming and unnerving our bodies and minds? Dark skies and broodier moods seem to penetrate the bones, just like the wet and biting cold.

It’s always worth considering the antidotes when negativity feels particularly virulent. Let’s talk about nicer kinds of contagion, for they exist in abundance, but we don’t always notice them.

The season of joy and goodwill reminds us to balance negativity with positivity.

Sagittarius Rising

It was my birthday this week. Therefore, I thought I’d best pay extra attention to a horoscope email that popped up in my inbox. In this article, Joanne Jones of Trusted Psychics (who else?!) writes of the Sagittarius season (November 22 to December 21),

“A key attribute to learn from Sagittarians is their relentless optimism. It’s a trait that brings light to those around them. They teach us the importance of savouring each moment, finding joy in the little things and maintaining a bright outlook on life. Especially in challenging times, their laughter and positivity are invaluable, encouraging us to keep an optimistic and happy heart, a trait that strengthens our resilience in the face of life’s hurdles.”

Relentless optimism? Well, AMEN! Does this sound like me? 🥴 I’ve not been feeling quite so relentlessly optimistic lately. However, the events of my birthday did give me a little boost, reminding me of my natural inclination toward positivity (at least according to the stars!)

I was given a great gift on my birthday. I was surrounded by humans dedicated to working together to improve people’s lives in the community. I was bathed in the energy of positive and visionary individuals who fail to be dragged down by despair and manage to find never-ending possibilities and hope for others in the most desperate situations.

I even got to teach these wonders five minutes of yoga - give me any opportunity! This flagging end-year Sagittarian got huge Sagi energy back from others in the room.

I fed them yoga and may just have caught back some relentless optimism.

Spread Yoga, Spread Love

So, to kick off December with even more positivity and joy, I’d like to bring your attention to the Yogamatters community class schedule for December. Many of you will know already, but for those who don’t, my friend and fellow teacher, Yvonne O’Garro, will teach online on Tuesday evenings from 7-8 pm.

Sign up for her December classes here (Tuesdays 7-8 pm):

YOGAMATTERS COMMUNITY CLASS.

The class appreciates a donation for CRISIS at Christmas, a charity Yvonne supports and volunteers for.

And an IN-REAL-LIFE alert! If you are in London this coming Sunday, December 3, I will assist my gorgeous friend at Triyoga Shoreditch for her 2-hour restorative workshop. There’s something extra special about a beautifully held restorative space where quiet, peace and stillness can be readily absorbed, where the energy of others in shared space helps to accentuate restoration and healing.

Sign up for the Sunday workshop here: AN INVITATION TO REST.

♥ please spread the love to anyone you think might benefit from these classes ♥

You Are Contagious

We can think about the things we might be fortunate or unfortunate to catch around us this winter. But we ourselves will likely be infectious this December (and beyond). What will we transmit to others?

I wanted to share this quote that another teacher sent me (I think, credited to Gabrielle Harris). The passage beautifully encourages us to use our yoga practice to consider, cleanse and transmit our energy to send out the best of who we are...

“Sometimes, if we are still, quiet, we can feel nature’s voice of energy in the crashing waves, the shade of a tree or in the power of the sun. It can also explain why we feel good in another’s presence as they are sending out qi or Prana that matches or lifts our own. The world right now needs this. It needs people who heal, people who listen, people who care, love, serve - who raise the vibration of themselves and those around them. At times we need to be uplifted, moved and inspired. Consider your practice as a means of making the fullest use of your time here on earth by fortifying and cleaning your energy so those who are in need can be held or supported by the Prana you transmit.”

By choosing to notice and embrace all the helpful contagions that exist, we can gather inspiration from those around us and nurture the beautiful traits already inherent within us. If relentless optimism isn’t your thing, I wonder what is. Could it be warmth or kindness? Generosity or compassion? Charity or understanding?

Hmm, methinks it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

What will you hope to catch and transmit this season?

Let’s practise.