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The first ever total lunar eclipse in two years will happen during the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. The official beginning of winter. The Yin and Yang symbol was created to represent the balance of the seasons.  Here are background facts about this transitional time and some Yoga poses to help you get in sync and feel balanced with the official change of season.

THE WINTER SOLSTICE 2010

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2010 at 6:38 PM ET. Throughout history, December was often thought of as the most dreaded time of year, when the lack of heat and light and a limited supply of food spelled danger.  Thus, a reason why so many cultures celebrate the light during this time of year.The cold was stark and the darkness seemed perpetual.

Even today, modern science points to a mental disorder that is now officially recognized as SAD, or seasonal affective disorder that results in moodiness or depression during the winter months due to the lack of sunlight.

The cure? Turn up the wattage! — indeed, the use of artificial light is the only known treatment for SAD.

Yet as the old wise man once said, it truly is darkest before the dawn. After December 21, the light slowly begins its inevitable return, and the days begin to grow blessedly longer, flipping the switch to ON for the inevitable countdown to spring

Related Article:  10 Tips To Fight The Holiday Blues

LUNAR ECLIPSE 2010

A total lunar eclipse will be visible throughout North and Central America in United States from 8:40 p.m. EST Monday, December 20, 2010, until 9:53 a.m. Tuesday, December 21st. The said celestial event is first in almost three years.

Mercury retrograde occurs from December 10th through December 30th 2010

Related Article:  How To Use Mercury Retrograde To Your Advantage

THE YIN AND YANG SYMBOL

Taoist philosophy conceptualizes universal balance in terms of yin and yang, complementary forces that govern the universe. Yin characteristics are cool, wet, slow, feminine, and quiet, whereas yang is the opposite: warm, dry, fast, masculine, extroverted. Winter, the yin season, is a time for storing and conserving energy in the way a bear retains fat by hibernating, or a farmer stores food for the cold months ahead.

To stay balanced during winter, conserve your yang energy. Restorative yoga, tai chi, qigong, and walking are best suited for yin season, as they safeguard your energy reserves. Think of these practices as recharging your batteries, Don’t use up what little winter energy you have with over activity and added stress.”

Eating cooked, spicy yang foods provides another good way to replenish energy. Prepare yang-strengthening soups, slow-simmered stews, beans, roasted root vegetables, and warm drinks. Add yang spices such as garlic, ginger, black pepper, cloves, and basil to increase the warming effect. Minimize your intake of yin foods such as raw vegetables, salad greens, and cold drinks.

If you find quiet, more modest ways to celebrate the holidays, you’ll stay in tune with the season and feel less need to release tension by overeating or rampant spending. You’ll also have more time and energy to connect with close friends and family. If you’re out of sync with the mall mobs with maxed-out credit cards, chances are you’ll find yourself in step with the quiet, nurturing yin nature of winter.

Check Out this Yoga Flava Video Snack For A Guided Deep Relaxation To Balance Your Yin and Yang energies:

Like this video? Please leave a comment below and let me know if it worked for you. Also, let me know what else you would like to know about yoga and spirituality.

Join Robin Downes on BlackPlanet.com

In the New York tri-state are? Then join us for:

YOGA FLAVA GIFT FOR YOU!  COMPLIMENTARY WINTER SOLSTICE SESSION

Time
Monday, December 20 · 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Location The New Seminary Center For Interfaith Studies

2672 Bway @ 102nd St. 2nd floor,
New York, NY

E-Mail: robin@yogaflava.com

Robin Downes’ Yoga Flava Winter  Sessions

Monday Nights- starting  January 3rd  – 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Get Your Holiday Season Body, Mind And Spirit In Alignment!

www.YogaFlava.com

With an attitude of gratitude – sending positive and prosperous vibes to Elev8Robin

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