A Very Happy New Year to you all! I am currently writing this blog eating the remains of all the cheese in my fridge and throughly enjoying it!! I had a wonderful Christmas and some much needed family time! I really hope that you had a wonderful time as well, whatever you got up to.
As we step away from December and into January, it can feel a bit like a whirlwind of pressure to change, fix and optimise every corner of our lives… whilst I do enjoy a bit of organisation (as I have mentioned before, I do absolutely love a declutter and charity shop drop off!!) it can seem that every billboard, television, social media feed and fitness industry seems to be chanting the same mantra: New Year, New Me.
It suggests that your worth is a constant “work in progress”…something that requires overhaul; maybe a stricter diet, or a more “advanced” yoga practice in order to be valid. It can feel exhausting! What if, this year, we traded the “New Me” for a “Real Me”?
In the quiet heart of yoga philosophy, there’s a different invitation. It’s called Santosha.
What is Santosha, Really?
At its simplest, Santosha is the practice of contentment. But it isn’t the kind of contentment that says, “I’m perfectly happy and everything is amazing.” It’s much deeper than that.
Santosha is the brave act of looking at your life… your current fitness level, your messy kitchen, your unfinished projects and your wonderful, tired self and accepting where you are…saying, “This is enough for right now.”
It’s the realization that maybe happiness isn’t a destination you reach once you finally master a headstand or drop a habit; but the peace you begin to find when you stop fighting the present moment. For me, this is absolutely still a work in progress but definitely one intention I plan on trying to stick to!
Santosha reminds us that growth is a natural process, like a tree growing rings. The tree doesn’t try to be a “new” tree every spring; it just continues to expand from its center. You can still set intentions and move toward things that make you feel good, but you don’t have to dislike where you are to get where you’re going.
Taking this focus on the Mat: Letting Go of the “Next”
We’ve all been in a yoga class where we’re looking at the person next to us, or thinking about how much further we should be reaching.
When we practice with the spirit of Santosha or contentment, the goal shifts:
- The pose is just a place to breathe. It doesn’t matter if your hands touch the floor or your knees. What matters is how you treat yourself while you’re reaching.
- The “Advanced” practice is internal. True advancement isn’t a fancy shape; it’s the ability to stay calm and kind to yourself even when you feel tight or wobbly.
A Simple Practice for This Week
Instead of an endless resolution list this New Year’s, maybe let’s all try a little Santosha Check-in. (Myself included!! I’m also guilty of self criticism!!)
When we find ourselves feeling like we’re “not enough,” let’s take a breath and try these three thoughts:
I have enough: Acknowledging the tools and strengths you already possess.
I am enough: Remembering your worth isn’t tied to your productivity or your flexibility.
This is enough: Finding one small thing in this exact moment…a warm cup of tea, the feeling of your feet on the ground…that is perfectly ok as it is.
Let’s allow this January to be a time of settling in rather than starting over. You’ve worked hard to become the person you are today… and that person is 100% worth showing up for because I for one think you’re pretty amazing!!
Love, health and happiness,
Rae xxx
WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH
Full Moon Sound Bath – Friday 2nd January, 7–8pm.
Contact Rachel directly via rachel@mycalminthecity.co.uk for enquiries and to book your space.
*** NEW CLASS*** Pregnancy Yoga with Rosie from BOUDICA Physio- Starting Monday 5th January, 5:15-6:30pm. FREE TASTER for first class. Contact Rosie directly via info@boudicaphysio.co.uk for enquiries and to book your space.
Mum and Baby Postnatal Yoga – NEW BLOCK starting Tuesday 7th January, 11:30am–12:30pm
This 6-week block course is designed to support your physical recovery, boost your mental and emotional wellbeing and help you bond with your baby… all while connecting with other amazing new mums!
Cost: £60 for the 6-week block or £12 drop-in (depending on availability).
Book online: https://balancedsoulyogaandtherapy.co.uk/book-now/
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