Well, it's time to face facts.... winter is here to stay in Edmonton. We had a big snowfall on All Hallows' Eve and things have been covered in white ever since. Only 6 more months to go! I wonder if you are sensing my lack of love here? Don't misinterpret this, I really do LOVE the snow; it is extremely beautiful, clean, calming, and restorative. I am especially entranced by how it glistens when struck by the light of the sun or moon like a million tiny diamonds. AND one of my favorite things is waking up to hoar frost on the trees! However, after about a month or so, I am over it. We are at 3 weeks now..... but who's counting?
If we are going to survive winter here in Alberta, the easiest thing to do is embrace it; with lots of layers, a super warm parka and maybe a few hand warmers in your mittens. THEN we can enjoy winter for all it has to offer! Tobogganing, skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and pond hockey, which by the way all have kids yoga poses made up for them. So in your next class, why not celebrate our Canadian-ness (like the guy I saw today wearing shorts in -10) with a wintery Snow Dance. If you missed the first post in this series, you'll want to have a look at it as it will give you the background you need to best use our newest addition to the Sun Dance Series.
If we are going to survive winter here in Alberta, the easiest thing to do is embrace it; with lots of layers, a super warm parka and maybe a few hand warmers in your mittens. THEN we can enjoy winter for all it has to offer! Tobogganing, skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and pond hockey, which by the way all have kids yoga poses made up for them. So in your next class, why not celebrate our Canadian-ness (like the guy I saw today wearing shorts in -10) with a wintery Snow Dance. If you missed the first post in this series, you'll want to have a look at it as it will give you the background you need to best use our newest addition to the Sun Dance Series.
Stretch up high, wave to the snowflakes
(Standing in mountain pose, reach arms up & wave)
Hang down low, pile up the snow
(Forward fold, reaching down for your toes & pretend to sweep snow into a pile)
Feet jump back, into your toboggan
(Bend your knees, place your hands down and jump or step your feet back to plank)
Belly down, let’s ride it around
(Bending at the elbows, lower your body down to the ground)
Look up at the mountains
(Press the hands into the ground, to straighten the arms into cobra pose)
Now back at the snowman
(Knees under hips, curl the toes under & shift into downward dog)
& breathe & breathe & breathe
(Take 3 big breaths in through the nose and out through the nose, filling the belly BIG like a balloon when you breathe in, letting all the air out when you breathe out)
Feet jump up, onto the ice rink
(Hop the feet up, into a frog squat)
Hang down low, tie up your skates
(Straighten the legs, forward fold & pretend to tie your laces)
Stretch up high, wave to the snowflakes
(Coming to stand, reach both arms up over head & making yourself super tall)
Now figure skating pose!
(Grounding down with your R foot, reach your L hand back for your L ankle. R arm extends forwards as you kick the L foot back and lean forwards into Dancer Pose! Now since we are figure skaters, definitely add in some hops and spins, and remember to do both sides)
(Standing in mountain pose, reach arms up & wave)
Hang down low, pile up the snow
(Forward fold, reaching down for your toes & pretend to sweep snow into a pile)
Feet jump back, into your toboggan
(Bend your knees, place your hands down and jump or step your feet back to plank)
Belly down, let’s ride it around
(Bending at the elbows, lower your body down to the ground)
Look up at the mountains
(Press the hands into the ground, to straighten the arms into cobra pose)
Now back at the snowman
(Knees under hips, curl the toes under & shift into downward dog)
& breathe & breathe & breathe
(Take 3 big breaths in through the nose and out through the nose, filling the belly BIG like a balloon when you breathe in, letting all the air out when you breathe out)
Feet jump up, onto the ice rink
(Hop the feet up, into a frog squat)
Hang down low, tie up your skates
(Straighten the legs, forward fold & pretend to tie your laces)
Stretch up high, wave to the snowflakes
(Coming to stand, reach both arms up over head & making yourself super tall)
Now figure skating pose!
(Grounding down with your R foot, reach your L hand back for your L ankle. R arm extends forwards as you kick the L foot back and lean forwards into Dancer Pose! Now since we are figure skaters, definitely add in some hops and spins, and remember to do both sides)
Wishing you a warm and cuddly winter with those you love the most, may it be filled with joyous outdoor adventure and play.... and maybe a tropical vacation too!
With BIG love, BRIGHT light and WARM hugs,
- Vanessa
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