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Honouring the Darkness, Embracing the Light: Reflections on Our Winter Solstice Gathering

Last night, we gathered beneath the blanket of winter’s longest night to honour the stillness, the pause, and the powerful potential of the solstice. Together, we created a space where rest became sacred, and silence held the seeds of growth.

As I reflect on the moments we shared—our collective release of shadows, our welcoming of light, and the profound stillness we leaned into—I am struck by a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the courage it takes to pause, for the willingness to rest and reflect, and for the trust women from all walks of life placed in me to guide this journey.

Gathering to Honour the Darkness

In the solstice’s pause, we were reminded that the darkness is not something to fear but a space to nurture. Like the tree that appears dormant yet holds vibrant life in its roots, we too find strength and wisdom in the quiet margins of the year. It is here, in the stillness, that growth begins.

Through our Yoga Nidra practice, we connected deeply with this truth. The Nidra became a bridge between the shadows we released and the light we welcomed—a moment of expansiveness, where we planted intentions and nurtured the flame within.

Expanding Through Rest

One of the most beautiful outcomes of our gathering was the reminder that rest is not passive; it is transformative. In rest, we expand. We integrate the lessons of our shadows, welcome new possibilities, and reconnect with our inner wisdom. In a world that rarely slows down, taking a moment to pause allows us to reconnect with ourselves. Journaling after practices like Yoga Nidra deepens this connection, helping us anchor insights and integrate them into our lives. Here are some prompts to guide your reflections:

  • What inner strengths or wisdom surfaced for you in moments of stillness?

  • How can you honour and nurture these parts of yourself moving forward?

  • What gifts have your shadow attributes offered, and how do they shape who you are becoming?

  • How can you show gratitude for the space you are creating to let light in?

These questions are an invitation to cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself, one that brings clarity and purpose to your path.

The Power of Consistent Practice

The magic of last night’s gathering doesn’t have to end with the solstice. My weekly Yoga Nidra sessions are an ongoing space to rest, reconnect, and grow. These gatherings are intentionally brief—usually under 25 minutes—and designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules. Each session is co-created: you bring an intention, and I weave it into the practice, ensuring the experience feels personal and meaningful.

Imagine ending your week by simply lying down, closing your eyes, and letting the practice guide you toward deep rest and restoration. And with each session, you’ll receive a recording to revisit whenever you need to feel grounded or creative.

Why Now Is the Time to Join

The winter season invites us to slow down, to root deeply, and to prepare for the growth that lies ahead. Yoga Nidra offers a gentle yet powerful way to honour this invitation. By joining these weekly gatherings, you’re giving yourself a consistent space to rest, reflect, and expand. There’s no better time to commit to a practice that nurtures your inner light and aligns you with your highest self. The weekly gatherings are a space to continue the journey we began last night, deepening your connection to rest, gratitude, and growth. Start now, and let the practice be a steady anchor in your life.

Carrying the Solstice’s Message Forward

As Katherine May’s beautiful words reminds us:

In subterranean darkness, we tend to our roots.

The year dies softly as it sleeps.

We cradle its rebirth.

This is the work of Yoga Nidra. It’s a practice of tending to our roots, of cradling our own rebirth, and of discovering what flourishes in life’s quiet margins. I am deeply honoured to hold this space for you—last night and in the weeks to come.

If you’re ready to continue this journey, I’d love to welcome you into our circle. You can learn more and join here. Let’s co-create moments of stillness that ripple out into every aspect of our lives.

With gratitude and light,
Xx Nat