The Light Dims, Then Brightens

Thoughts on the end of 2023 and the winter solstice

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, mostly because I’ve been trying to write elsewhere on two separate long-form writing projects, as well as perform in a small, off-off Broadway theatre festival. It has been a challenge for me to create order, to find the space and ease within my freelance schedule to create even as I attempt to nourish and encourage that same sense of playfulness in those who practice with me. It is an ongoing practice off the mat for me: trying to plug into what I hold the most sacred, the most delightful, and staying true to that. Some days are easier than others (it is very much a “practice” and not a “perfect”).

I’m hoping that a couple of weeks spent in Texas with my folks over the holidays will allow for a bit of a personal system reboot. I’ll be teaching my last group classes of the year on Sunday 12/17 at Heights Meditation and Yoga (I should be back on the studio schedule in January - keep your eyes on the calendar).

Some of you have asked if I’d run a Black Friday special for in-person, in-home private classes. I decided that a December special might be better. So here it is - reach out if you’re interested!

In-Person Private Yoga - HOLIDAY SALE - DECEMBER 2023

5-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $360 (20% off - usually $450)

10-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $720 (20% off - usually $900)

• I offer 60-minute in-home classes to my private clients (Manhattan residents only). Whether you prefer Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, or Restorative practices, all integrate asana (yoga poses), breathwork, and mindfulness cues for good measure. 

• Venmo and Paypal accepted (I am happy to provide you with an invoice)

• The pack expires one year from purchase.

If you’re interested in purchasing a 5-pack or 10-pack of in-home private yoga classes from me, please get in touch: animasolayoga [at] gmail.com.

The recent news cycle has been a bit bleak, and I know that some days things have looked rather dark. I’m reminded of the winter solstice - the longest night of the year. One might think the darkest night of the year would be bleak indeed, but it is when many people celebrate with candlelight and bonfires and yule logs, celebrating the return of the light. I am not implying that the state of world affairs will get better immediately or even soon after the solstice, but I will say that the nights themselves will become gradually shorter. We must look for the light and embrace it where and when we can find it. We must cultivate it for and within ourselves so that we may then cultivate it for and within our communities. It is an act of grace, compassion, and self-preservation. It is an act of love.

Paid subscribers this month will receive advance access to a 10-minute Tratak (candle-gazing) meditation (paid content below). If you are a paid subscriber, please make sure you’re logged into your Substack account to access your recording. I’m in the process of figuring out how to best handle paid Substack subscription content going forward - if you have any requests, let me know! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays and a beautiful solstice -

Amy Lee