I'm such a lover of Christmas carols. Two of my special favourites are 'Angels from the realms of glory', and, one we used to sing at school but I have rarely heard elsewhere, 'Three Kings from Persian lands afar'. This latter one has a beautiful descant that the upper school used to sing while the lower school sang the lower part. It was such a special tradition in a very special time of year. (Nonsuch old girls, do you remember? Did you love it too?) Three kings from Persian lands afar To Jordan follow the pointing star And this the quest of the travellers three Where the King of the Jews may be  Last Friday was my last children's yoga class of this term and we had a wonderful time making Christmas stars (all in a circle, leaning to one side and then the other in Trikonasana (Triangle); Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) into the centre of the circle and then lying back and stretching away from the centre of the circle; and Upavista Konasana (wide-leg seated forward bend) with soles and hands joined with our neighbours). There were also some Christmas Camels (Ustrasana) and Cows from the stable (Gomukhasana). I'm so pleased with the progress my little yogis are making. The class has gone from something like a rugby scrum at the the start of this term, to a real appreciation of stillness when we come to savasana as the end of class now (although a little non-yogic competition to see who is really still and floppy does help....!)  My other favourite Christmas carol I mentioned above goes: Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight o'er all the earth Ye who sang creation's story Now proclaim Messiah's birth I mentioned in my last post about keeping healthy in the winter that postures that open the heart area stimulate the thymus and boost the immune system and internal temperature. Although I have to admit that I forgot the Christmas angels with my little yogis on Friday, we will be doing Parvottanasana (standing forward bend with hands in reverse prayer - lift your wings!) among many other things at my Solstice Saturday Yoga (10 am - 12 noon on Saturday 18th Dec). We'll focus on yoga for winter wellness, and end with some meditation to connect with inner stillness at what can be a stressful time of year. Let me know asap if you'd like to be there.  The gorgeous angel picture above is a painting / sculpture combination by Ginger Gilmour (first wife of David Gilmour of Pink Floyd!) currently on display at Yoga Ananda in Reigate. Elements of their spiritual art exhibition can still be seen at the centre until the end of December, so catch it while you can. I have lots of news and plans for the New Year, please read more at my latest newsletter. Thanking everyone for your support in 2010, and wishing you all a happy and peaceful festive season, and a healthy and prosperous 2011. Namaste, Donna x |
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