The word 'solstice' combines the Latin words sol for 'Sun' and sistere for 'to stand still'. Today, yoga is widely known as a movement discipline, but these simple experiences of stillness have always been the goal. Without stillness there is no samādhi.
Continuing our journey through the seasons and the eight limbs of yoga here we arrive at the Summer Solstice and our fourth gateway - the traditional yogic practice of prāṇāyāma. The word prāņayāma consists of two parts: prāņa and ayāma. “Ayāma” means “stretch” or “extend” and prāņa refers to our life force or energy. So, literally what is meant by prāņayāma is to stretch or extend our energy (I like the phrase 'conserving our energy').
In English, the world solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning “sun standing still”. As the sun reaches its most extreme point, we experience here on Earth and apparent pause in its movement, before the direction of travel is reversed and our days begin to lengthen again. We are hosting two end of year events, presenting the opportunity for our midwinter pause. Both events are free to register and attend - all are welcome.
