As the calendar turns and we enter a new year, there's a sense of renewal in the air. The world seems to prompt us to begin again, to fix, to recover, to start fresh in some way. There’s chatter about resolutions, about doing something new or letting something go. And yet, I find myself wondering: What is my body telling me? Not just the part of me that's caught up in the external rhythms of the world—resolutions, media, or societal expectations—but the deeper, quieter signals that are coming from within.
I ask myself, What does my body truly need right now? And by "body," I mean all of me—not just the physical form, but also my spirit, my mind, my heart. I reflect on how we are all striving to thrive—this is what we’re all doing. Thriving is another word for living fully, for growing into who we are meant to be, and for showing up in the world in ways that matter—whether that means caring for ourselves, for others, or for the planet.
Yoga, too, provides a way to begin again. But unlike the linear, goal-driven systems that we’re used to in our daily lives, yoga isn’t about rigid structures or fixed outcomes. It’s not about achieving perfection. Rather, it’s a practice that invites us into a cyclical process, a rhythm that can mirror the natural world—fluid, organic, and ever-changing. In fact, yoga is more like a spiral—a permeable, interrelational matrix that we move through, again and again, continuously growing, learning, and evolving.
Every time we return to the mat or the cushion, we have the opportunity to start again. This renewal is at the heart of the practice, much like how seasons cycle and how nature quietly shifts beneath the surface.
As I reflect on the past year, our journey in the yoga community has mirrored the flow of nature. We ended 2024 by diving into the stillness of Yin yoga—deep, grounding postures that invited us to connect with our connective tissues, those vital pathways that connect and hold together the whole body. It’s a slower practice, one that speaks to the quiet and reflective nature of winter.
But even in the stillness of winter, something stirs beneath the surface. The light, ever so subtle since the solstice, begins its gradual shift. Deep within the earth, seeds feel the first gentle stirrings of growth. So too, do we. Perhaps you, like me, sense a quiet urging to begin something new, to move toward something, or to answer a call. It’s as though the horizon is whispering of new possibilities. This, I believe, is where the tradition of the new year, with its resolutions and promises of new beginnings, aligns with our natural cycles. Do you feel it? As I tune into my own personal rhythms and cycles, I find it’s essential to return to the principles that anchor and guide me through the many phases of yoga—and life itself.
The Yamas and Niyamas: Ethical Principles for Beginning Again
For me, this annual "beginning again" is not just about starting something new on the outside—it’s about returning to the deeper systems that keep me aligned and grounded. One of the most powerful systems that has supported me throughout my life is the ethical and moral framework offered by yoga’s Yamas and Niyamas. These principles are the foundational guidelines for living a conscious, meaningful life, and they offer a gentle invitation to reset and realign each time we encounter them.
The Yamas (the ethical restraints) and Niyamas (the positive observances) are not rules to follow in a rigid or punishing way. Instead, they offer an ongoing opportunity to reflect, refine, and begin again—each moment, each day. As we move through our lives, these principles act like gentle reminders to return to our true nature, to our highest self.
Yamas: Ethical Behaviors
The Yamas guide us in how we relate to the world and to others. They ask us to practice kindness, non-violence, truthfulness, non-possessiveness, and moderation. In the context of beginning again, the Yamas encourage us to:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is an invitation to be gentle with ourselves as we step into the new year. There’s no need for harsh self-criticism or unrealistic expectations. Simply start where you are, without judgment.
Satya (Truthfulness): Being honest with ourselves about where we are in our journey and what we truly need is key to beginning again. Acknowledge your desires, your fears, and your hopes for the year ahead.
Asteya (Non-stealing): This principle invites us to look at how we might be taking away from our own peace—whether it’s through over-commitment, over-consumption, or the demands we place on ourselves. What might you let go of in order to make space for renewal?
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Starting fresh doesn’t mean diving into excess or overwork. It’s about finding balance, taking deliberate steps, and being mindful of the energy we give and receive.
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): To begin again, we must release attachments—whether it’s to past habits, failures, or even future expectations. Trust that the new year offers you the opportunity to step forward, unencumbered.
Niyamas: Personal Observances
The Niyamas help guide us inward, reminding us to stay true to our inner journey. They invite us to:
Saucha (Purity): Cleanse not just your body, but also your mind and spirit. Begin again with clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Santosha (Contentment): Find peace in where you are, even as you reach for more. Contentment doesn’t mean stagnation—it means being present with what is, right now.
Tapas (Discipline): Starting again may require a bit of effort. Tapas reminds us that discipline, when applied with intention, fuels transformation.
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Reflect on your journey. Understand where you are, what’s working, and what you need to nurture within yourself in the year ahead.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine): Begin again with trust. Surrender to the flow of life, knowing that you are guided by something greater than yourself.
The Invitation to Begin Again
So, as we enter Winter 2025, I invite you to consider how you, too, can begin again. Not just in the way that external calendars or societal pressures may urge you to, but in the deeper, quieter way that yoga teaches us. What is your body telling you? What is your spirit yearning for? The invitation to begin again isn’t about starting over from scratch—it’s about embracing the next phase of your journey, grounded in your own rhythm, your own cycles, and your own unique path.
Whether you are just beginning your yoga practice, or returning to it after a long pause, know that every moment is a chance to start again. Just as nature renews itself in the quiet of winter, so too can you find renewal and transformation in the stillness and the stirring of your own life.
Let this new year be a time to listen deeply to what you need, to heed the stirrings of your inner world, and to move with intention into whatever is next for you—on the mat, in your life, and in your spirit.
As we move into our practices this season—whether in the dynamic flow classes at LCC or the more somatic explorations in our small group sessions—I will remind us all to begin again with kindness, enthusiasm, respect, and humility. These are the guiding principles we strive to embody each day, both on and off the mat.
Stay tuned as I continue to explore these themes, diving deeper into yoga philosophy as we breathe, move, and connect through yoga, movement, and more.
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