Hi %FIRSTNAME%,

We are on the cusp of a new year, a time when we consider how we wish to begin again. I stopped making New Year's resolutions several years ago when I began setting intentions. I've always appreciated this time of year for the opportunity to reflect on the past 365 days, asking myself what worked, gave me a sense of purpose, brought me joy, and made me feel whole, as well as what didn't--the activities, people, and projects that depleted me.

I value the pause at this time of year to try to determine my direction and decide what tools will help me on my journey. Yoga and Ayurveda are practices I always rely on. They meet me where I am physically, emotionally, spiritually and energetically, and they help me find as much balance as possible in every moment.

In yoga, we create a sankalpa, a heartfelt intention. We write it in the present tense. The example I like to give is "I live in full health." A sankalpa is not "I will lose 10 pounds." You may have read my winter solstice email, and maybe you're doing that ritual with me. If so, you've created 13 sankalpa and are offering those to the universe. You'll be left with one intention that you will tend to actively for the next year.

But if you haven't yet thought of what seeds you wish to plant and cultivate in the coming year, that's okay. New Year's Day is a nice time to do this, but you haven't missed your chance if you aren't ready on that day. Any moment is a good moment to begin again--in all things.

In my classes in January, we will focus on Svadhyaya, one of the niyamas (observances) in yoga philosophy that translates to self-reflection or self-study. Here are some ways to practice svadhyaya off the mat:

• Be still. Do less, clear your schedule, spend time alone.

• Move and flow. For the body, practice yoga, take walks in nature, focus on fueling yourself nutritionally in the ways you know work for you. For the mind, practice meditation and yogic breathing (pranayama). For the heart, do some journaling, make art, listen to music, cultivate gratitude. For spirit, prayer and connecting to Spirit or some higher power in whatever forms work for you.

• Trust your intuition. Listen closely when you have that gut feeling or emotion, that new idea, or the sudden inspiration to do something, or the opposite--to remove yourself from a person, activity or thought pattern that is not right. That voice is the one that really knows what will serve you.

• Live your truth. Establish a relationship with that inner voice, embrace change and the sacrifice that usually comes with it, pursue your dream, and choose what is right and best for your Self.

• Love. Greet each day with acceptance, gratitude and a loving spirit. Look at your tendencies and integrate changes that bring you more joy, stability, and compassion for yourself and all beings.

On the mat, we will spend time in forward folds and will sit in stillness at the beginning and end of class. We will use the time on our mats to go inward, to practice mindful observation and non-judgemental awareness. The idea is to give ourselves these things regularly so that we can come to a deep understanding of who we are, what our gifts are, and what our heartfelt intentions are as beings on this beautiful planet. Through svadhyaya, we can break free of limiting patterns that don't serve us or others. We can try to cultivate an unwavering inner awareness.

I am walking this path with you as a fellow traveler. Thank you for sharing yourselves with me, teaching me, and for staying connected to your practice. Your presence is a gift, and the energy each of you brings to your mat--online and in person--contributes in so many ways to our community and to the world beyond. I am so very grateful.

Here's to more peace, love, compassion, and light in the New Year!

With love,

Kate