Plug in to what lights you up

This Saturday, I arrived at the studio for our morning classes and noticed a small tree sitting on the front desk. Its lights were off, but it had lights… so of course I turned it on. A tree with lights that aren’t glowing just feels a little sad, like it is waiting for permission to shine.

A few minutes later, Cherie walked in and said, “Oh wow, I like that tree!” As we watched it slowly spin, we realized something magical: not only were the lights beautiful, but the branches themselves were fiberoptic, shining softly in rainbow colors. It had been luminous the whole time. It just needed to be plugged in.

And that is when it hit me.

So many of us move through seasons where our lights are technically “there,” but switched off. Whether we are tired, overwhelmed, discouraged, or simply going through the motions, we forget that we have built-in ways to glow. Sometimes we forget that we are allowed to shine. And sometimes, like that little tree, we need to be reminded that our light doesn’t just brighten us… it gives others permission to shine, as well.

This time of year can be tender. It can be beautiful and heavy. It can be busy and quiet. But through all of the circumstances, the message that keeps echoing for me is simple: Let your heart be light.

If you need a little how-to reminder, here is what Google suggested to me a few years ago:

BIG NEWS: Winnie’s book club update!!

In true book-club spirit, we are flowing with the plot twist life handed us. Since Hamnet will not be playing next week as originally expected, we bumped our field trip up to this Thursday, December 11.

We will meet at La Madeleine (1604 and 281) at 10:30 am to chat about the book over brunch. After that, we will scoot over to Regal Northwoods for the 11:55 am movie showing.

It is going to be such a fun morning! Can you come? If you would like to join us for the discussion, the movie, or both, please let me know by filling out this RSVP form.​

Speaking of fun: this week at Spring Creek Garden Center!

It is also time for round 2 of Flow & Feast at Spring Creek Garden Center! On Wednesday, 12/10, we will have an all-levels yoga class at 5:30 pm, in their new climate-controlled event center, the Gathering Haus.

After class, you are welcome to wander over to The Desert Spoon, their lovely on-site restaurant. They have a delicious menu and happy hour specials, so you can settle in for a meal, enjoy a quick drink, or drop by to say hello. Please feel completely free to come and go as you like, and follow whatever feels good for your evening.

If you would like to sit at the Hand Craft Yoga table, just email me and I will happily save you a spot.

An invitation to close the year with intention

And as we slide toward the end of the year, I am thrilled to officially invite you to: Welcome Winter and Goodbye 2025! Join me from 12:00 to 2:30 pm on Monday, 12/22 (Welcome Winter) and/or Monday, 12/29 (Goodbye 2025)!

Each session will offer the perfect yoga blend: a fun flow (vinyasa), a slow stretch (restorative), and a deeply relaxing rest (nidra). We will also take a few minutes for a simple, heart-centered activity to help invite a personal mantra to the surface for the new year. You will leave with your 2026 mantra in hand, something to anchor you as we step into a fresh season.

A light snack will be provided, and I encourage you to bring an extra blanket and bolster so you can fully settle into rest during yoga nidra.

As my special holiday gift to you, you can sign up for this one-of-a-kind mini-retreat using one of your class passes. Drop-ins will be just $15.

Give yourself permission to say yes (and yes, you can do both if you want to). Click below to RSVP:

I hope to see you at one of our gatherings this month. Whether it is during our regular class schedule (through next week!) or at one of the special end-of-year offerings, I would love to see your face. The holiday goody bags are in-person only… and I really want you to have one.

With love,

Monica
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​(Reply to me HERE)​