As Christmas and the end of the year approaches and things continue to change around us, it feels important to reflect on what we can take that is positive from this year and how we prepare for next year.

Some years ago I read something that stayed with me. The image was of the ocean; the surface of the sea is dependent on the weather - sometimes calm, sometimes with a gentle swell and sometimes wild and stormy with high waves and wind. Deep down in the ocean there are currents and motion but there is a quiet steadiness. Yoga allows us to touch this deep and steady place whenever we need to and let the storms pass by.

Although for much of this year life hasn’t been as we are used to and lots of restrictions have been in place, for most of us there has been more time to focus on things like yoga. Practicing yoga will make you stronger and more flexible but more importantly it can give you an inner steadiness and resilience as well and the ability to focus on the immediate with a positive mindset.

With more time for practice and online classes, yoga has felt to me like a calming companion through the change and uncertainty of this year. At IYISL we will continue to teach yoga online and in person when we can. We hope you can join us and, as well as getting stronger and more flexible, you experience some of the much needed mental quiet that yoga can bring.