Ayurveda teaches us about Qualities/Gunas, 10 opposing qualities. They are listed below in English and in Sanskrit.
English: Heavy – Light, Slow – Sharp, Cold – Hot, Oily – Dry, Smooth – Rough, Dense – Liquid, Soft – Hard, Static – Mobile, Gross – Subtle Cloudy – Clear
Sanskrit: Guru – Laghu, Manda – Tikshna, Hima\Sheeta – Ushna, Snigdha\Sneha – Ruksha, Slakshna – khara, Sandra – Drava, Mridu – Kathina, Chala – Sthira, Sthula – Sukshma, Pichchila -Vishada
I bring this up because during the holidays, there are many qualities that come into contact with us. They can be introduced at family functions, meals and even with the folks that we interact with.
We often put so much pressure on ourselves to produce the most perfect “event” that we increase some of these qualities, and bring ourselves out of balance. We forget that the most important thing to remember about the holidays is that we are there for Sangha or Community. We have made a choice to be where we are, so we should take the time to really enjoy it. To be with the people we love, or not. Make a choice and be happy with it, do not let other Gunas/Qualities come into the equation. Just enjoy what you have decided to do, or go out and start a “new tradition”. My partner and I have. We both work on Thanksgiving day, so when we come home we have “snackies”, put on pajamas, and watch a movie snuggled on the couch with Mabel
It’s important to prepare for the holidays, ensure you are breathing enough, moving enough and most importantly fortifying your body with Grace and a steady practice. Below are a few offerings to support you throughout the holiday season, I hope you enjoy them!
Be well. Be Safe.
Love. Light.
JennyO
Corazón Yoga 