The seasonal shift begins.
Welcome the Winter Solstice With Me.
December...whether you love or hate this time of year there is no arguing that it brings up lots of emotions. Memories may come flooding in. Thoughts to loved ones who have passed. Perhaps dreams that never unfolded.
Or maybe it sparks you into creativity and joy. The bottom line is that we do have a choice in how we choose to show up for ourselves throughout this intense energy time.
When my children were young I embraced it full on. I loved to create treasure hunts every week with special seasonal items. I would take them skating weekly and then off to the library to collect special books to enjoy during our hot chocolate reading times.
It was not always filled with joy though. I would find it extremely difficult each year has the season approached. Expectations from extended family. Strained relationships that seemed even more tense during this time. One thing for sure is that the holiday season no matter how you celebrate is full of many emotions, memories, joys and challenges.
That is life though. In recent years I have found myself wanting to simplify. Less decorations, more quiet times. Less spending and more reflecting.
This year especially I am looking forward to. We are kicking it off by going to the festival of lights here in Halifax. We will be taking our grand babies along to enjoy the festivities. Our son also will be home and this is a double celebration for him being born on December 25 and turning 30 this year. This year I am offering a FREE Winter Solstice Ritual Workshop online. There is something about this whole process that is so very important to me and I find myself going deeper and deeper into it.
So if you have been feeling like you have just not been yourself recently, or maybe things are great and you just want to get centred moving into the holiday season.
The Winter Solstice FREE online event may be just right for you.
There is much to be said for slowing down and going inwards. The solstice represents the shortest day and longest night of the year. It singles a time to prepare for more rest has the winter months unfold. Just like in nature when the soil needs a break we to need time to let things settle, to germinate and to rise up again feeling much more rested and inspired for the journey of a new year ahead.
I hope you will embrace this experience with me. I am looking forward to the time of gentle seated movement, the breath work to slow our systems down. Meditation and journaling prompts to help us get clear and to let go of what has been and what is to come.
While December marches on and we move closer to January it is the perfect time to put the past years experiences to rest. To set the seeds of intention to grow in the coming early months of the new year. I find the more I work with the seasons and follow the rythms of the moon the more intentional I am living and how much easier it is to see my dreams into manifestations.
This coming year in particularly is a big one for me moving forward. Our monthly newsletter will be offering more ideas, themes and rituals for moving forward with the seasons. We will be looking at how to incorporate crystal work, essential oils and yoga poses and routines to really bring everything together for you.
That is why our five pillar system is so important to me and why we will be diving deeper into this coming new year.
I will be going live on a consistent basis and my you tube channel will be offially be launched.
I hope you decide to join us on Dec. 21 for our Winter Solstice Ritual Workshop happening online. Your soul and spirit will thank you and I would be homoured to serve you in this way.
If all you have time for is a short yoga practice try this one below:
Focus on stillness, get quiet and put on some relaxing music for this short practice. Try out our pre Ritual Playlist I created that goes with the journal prompts from our latest newsletter.
Yoga for the Winter Solstice
1. Child’s Pose
Why: Encourages grounding, introspection, and surrender, be sure to hold this pose for 10 slow deep breaths to experience the full effect.
How to Practice:
Kneel on the mat, bring your big toes to touch, and sit back on your heels. Knees wide.
Stretch your arms forward or let them rest beside your body.
Rest your forehead on the mat and take 10 deep calming breaths.
Seated Forward Fold 2. Seated Forward Fold
Why: Symbolizes turning inward and creating space for quiet reflection. Releases your lower back.
How to Practice:
Sit with your legs extended straight in front of you. Knees slightly bended if need.
Inhale, lengthen the spine, and exhale as you fold forward, reaching for your feet or shins. On each inhale be sure to lengthen on the exhale relax deeper into the pose.
Relax your head and neck, focusing on your breath. Hold for five slow deep breaths.
Bound Eagle
3. Reclining Bound Eagle Pose
Why: Encourages relaxation, opening of the heart, and a sense of renewal.
How to Practice:
Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees fall open.
Place pillows or blocks under your knees for support if needed.
Rest your arms by your sides or on your belly, and breathe deeply.
5. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Why: A pose of ultimate stillness and surrender, it honours the solstice’s theme of pausing before renewal.
How to Practice:
Lie flat on your back, arms by your sides, palms facing up.
Let your legs relax and fall open naturally.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to rest completely.
Optional Enhancements:
Incorporate soothing music, candles, or soft lighting to create a serene atmosphere.
Use props like bolsters, blankets, or eye pillows to enhance comfort and grounding.
May this season bring you much peace, love joy and laughter. (laughter is so healing)
Heather Chapplain, Founder of Celestial Threads and Heather Chapplain Online.
Heather is a passionate seasonal healing Advocate, Sustainable Fashion Designer, Spiritual Guide and Mentor.
She is becoming a transformative force in the world of intentional living, blending sustainable fashion, seasonal wellness, and spiritual practice to help individuals lead a more mindful life.
Through hard work, determination and life experience Heather has developed a holistic approach to healing. Her approach is based on her signature “Five Pillars Of Healing” which are mind, body, spirit, environment and style.
Pulling from her own history of deep healing, along with her extensive experience in the fashion and art worlds, she has the knowledge and expertise to draw from, while leading her online moon rituals, in person retreats and workshops.
She guides her community in aligning with the seasons and living with purpose. Through her work, she empowers others to tap into their inner strength and creativity, transforming the way they connect with themselves and the world.
Whether designing empowering denim pieces or leading soulful rituals, Heather’s passion shines through her work, inspiring a movement that’s not only stylish but deeply soulful and empowering.
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