There is a subtle moment each winter that often goes unnoticed. It lives somewhere between the longest night and the turning of the calendar. December 21 and January 1st with perhaps a Christmas celebration in the midst. The Winter Solstice has passed, the New Year has not fully found its feet yet, and everything feels hushed, expectant, unfinished.
Yoga knows this moment well.
The solstice reminds us that light returns not with force, but gradually. One breath at a time. One minute longer each day. Darkness in Victoria fell around 4pm at the start of December and now it’s a wee bit later each day. Nature does not rush this transition, and neither are we meant to. In yoga, winter is not a season of striving but of listening, when slowing down is not a failure of momentum but an act of wisdom.
2025 very prominently and loudly asked me to pause and listen–wait for the universe provide direction forward. What a reward this listening brought! More thoughtful yoga classes, the start of grief cafes and grief yoga, and the connection to my yogi communities.
The New Year is coming, carrying its familiar hum of intention. Often loud, often urgent. Yet when we allow the solstice to inform the New Year, something softer emerges. Instead of resolutions driven by pressure, we are invited into intentions shaped by presence. Yoga becomes the bridge between these moments. I have put some prompts for new years intentions in the flow below. I hope you find them helpful as you journey through the Winter Solstice incorporating your own universe driven 2026 vision.
WESTCOAST DUCK NEW YEAR’S Flow
1. Begin with Breath (3–5 minutes)
Grounding Breath with Lengthened Exhale
- Inhale gently through the nose for a count of 4
- Exhale slowly for a count of 6
- Allow the shoulders, jaw, and belly to soften
- Silently repeat: “I arrive. I don’t rush.”
This breath supports the nervous system and sets the tone for intention without urgency.
Gentle Asana Sequence (5-10 minutes)
Move slowly, pausing between shapes.
- Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana or Chair Fold)
A posture of reflection and turning inward. Let the spine round if it wants to. No striving for depth. - Cat–Cow (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
Simple spinal movement to gently wake the body. Move with the breath, not the clock. - Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Use bolsters, blankets, or a chair. Rest here longer than feels necessary. - Constructive Rest or Savasana
Knees bent, feet on the floor. A deeply regulating shape for winter.
Closing Breath & Intention (2–3 minutes)
Place one hand on the heart, one on the belly.
Inhale: What am I ready to welcome?
Exhale: What am I ready to release?
Examples might sound like:
“This year, I move at the pace of my breath, choosing steadiness over urgency.”
May your 2026 yoga practice bring you pause, less duck flapping and solid inspiration for the way forward.
With gratitude
Michelle
Westcoast Duck Yoga 
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