Embracing the Dark

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Here in Canada, we just enjoyed our first Autumn holiday, Thanksgiving. I feel that Thanksgiving intends to capture all of the feelings that one naturally has at this time of year. Thanksgiving symbolizes a moment in time when you can pause after a busy summer and look back to marvel at everything that has come to fruition. Like nature, our friends and families grow and change, and this weekend we had the opportunity to recognize and appreciate each other. Living in Canada, and in particular Victoria, BC, I feel particularly grateful because Canada enjoys peace, prosperity, and immense beauty.

Of course, because people are complicated, Thanksgiving is not perfect. For one thing, this holiday is a very stark reminder that colonialism and (primarily) European immigrants benefitted hugely at the expense of the Indigenous People of North America. Although I recognize the traditions of my family, I am aware that this time of year may not be a celebration for everyone. Thanksgiving is a reminder of a harrowing past and a glaring disparity of wealth and equality. I don't know how to solve this problem, but I have tried making some more conscientious decisions:

• Make purchases that are less impactful on the environment;

• have authentic and educational conversations with my family;

• downplay the “fun” of Thanksgiving to instead take the time given to us to be reflective, respectful, and genuinely appreciative of all of our blessings.

Change to support Indigenous People in Canada is something I believe we can improve, but I feel it will require a lot of learning and listening.

In addition to this serious issue, many people can find family gatherings a bit stressful. As families grow and change and people continue on their journeys, sometimes we find ourselves in opposition. Anything from a change in diet to a polarised political opinion can add friction and discomfort between loved ones. Women, in particular, often carry a substantial burden during the holiday season. Scheduling gatherings, preparing food, preparing for guests (or planning and preparing for travel), and holding emotional space/support when there is friction between loved ones. These responsibilities may divide more equally in the future, but I feel there is still a disparity between the emotional and physical workload carried between men and women.

All of these less-than-perfect Thanksgiving observations only emphasizes to me the robust nature of Autumn. As I mentioned in my previous post, Autumn is the season of transition, reflection, and having some emotions and issues laid bare. I feel that bringing awareness to discomfort can be useful as a tool to identify what may not be working for us and gives us time to ruminate over these feelings. Reflection can help us to either come up with valuable solutions or provide peace by teaching us to accept the things we cannot change.

Physically we continue to experience change with starkly darker mornings, chilly morning temperatures, and fluctuating weather. We modify our wardrobes by removing light linens and adding woolly sweaters, and we add blankets into our bedding. We pull out candles and light corners of the room with extra lamps, compensating for grey skies and darkening evenings.

With my Yoga Asana practice this week, I am focusing a lot on digestion, strength, and heating that “internal fire” in our Manipura (Navel) Chakra. I am adding Pawanamuktasana (Wind Release) Pose while transitioning from one pose to another. I am adding twists to my Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend) Pose and Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Raised Lunge or Crescent Lunge) Pose. I am embracing holding my Kumbhakasana (Plank) Pose just a little longer. Breathing deep and embracing the discomfort of holding challenging poses helps bolster your spirit and reminds you that you can endure some strain peacefully. You have the strength to support yourself and not just breathe, but breathe deeply enough to find more space where you thought you had no room to spare.

I hope that you can find space in your place for warmth and light as we continue to plunge into the darkness of Autumn and oncoming Winter.