Dear Friends, Yogis and Lovers of Life,
My December Reflection
The Power of Our Gaze During the Holiday Season
At The Sacred Center, we’ve been exploring how the direction of our gaze influences the direction of our life. In both yoga and qigong, the eyes are not passive, they are part of the practice. Where we place our visual focus becomes the doorway through which our attention flows. And where our attention goes, our energy follows.
During the holiday season, this teaching becomes especially meaningful.
December can pull our attention in a dozen directions at once, obligations, gatherings, memories, expectations, and long to-do lists. Without noticing it, our gaze can slowly drift toward what drains us rather than what nourishes us.
A simple re-orientation of the eyes can change our inner experience.
Gazing Softly at the Horizon
When we soften the eyes and look toward the horizon, the body naturally settles. The breath deepens. The nervous system shifts out of urgency. It gives the heart the spacious reminder:
I am larger than this thing I am involved with. I can see beyond what feels tight or overwhelming.
This is why, in movement practice and in daily life, a horizon gaze can restore perspective and calm.
Bringing It Into the Holidays
Here are gentle ways to apply this teaching throughout December:
When feeling rushed:
Pause and lift your eyes slightly. Let your gaze settle beyond the immediate task. Invite a sense of wider space around you.
At gatherings:
Let your eyes rest kindly on the faces around you. Notice one beautiful, ordinary detail, a smile, a gesture, a shared moment.
When emotions escalate:
Lower and soften the gaze. Look down just enough to feel grounded again. This brings the energy back into the body, into safety.
In moments of gratitude:
Gaze outward with openness, as if meeting the world with your whole heart.
When you feel lost and need to come home to yourself:
gently close your eyes and take your gaze within, to your own precious heart.
A Seasonal Reminder
Our gaze can be a tool like a compass.
When we direct it with intention, toward beauty, kindness, spaciousness, connection, we gently guide our entire being in that direction.
Amid the fullness of the holiday season, we always have this choice:
Shift the eyes.
Shift the mind.
Shift the experience.
Wishing you a December filled with steady breaths, clear focus, and the quiet joy that comes from seeing life with soft, intentional eyes.
Sending you all wishes for peace, health and happiness, now and always.
Namaste,
Rev Shelley
I am learning so much in my continuing Qigong training and amazed at the crossovers between yoga (from India) and Qigong and Tai Chi (from China). If you scroll down to the bottom of this email, I can share with you more of what I am discovering about the power of where we place our gaze, how it influences our state of mind and how to practice intentional gazing.
DECEMBER CLASSES
all in person classes are held at the spacious and beautiful Common Fence Point Hall
933 Anthony Rd. Portsmouth, RI
Please scroll down for more details on each class.
MONDAYS:
Harmony Flow 4:00-5:15 PM
in person at Common Fence Point Hall and on Zoom
sliding scale $15-$20
Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
TUESDAYS:
Free Tai Chi Easy 8:00-9:00 AM,
on Zoom only.
Dec 2, 9, 16, 23
THURSDAYS:
Gentle Yoga for All 9:30-10:30 AM,
in person at Common Fence Point Hall and on Zoom
sliding scale $15-$20
Dec 4, 11, 18
SATURDAYS:
Gentle Yoga for All 10:30-11:45 AM,
in person at Common Fence Point Hall and on Zoom
sliding scale $15-$20
Dec 6, 13, 20
SPECIAL EVENT:
Kirtan Church Service
led by Rev Shelley & Greg Sabatino
Sunday, December 28th, 9:00-10:00 AM
119 Kenyon Ave, East Greenwich, RI
*All classes and events this month are available for dropping in
or registering on Eventbrite.
All weekly classes are now hybrid; both in person and on Zoom
Register on our Eventbrite page and Eventbrite will email you the Zoom link. If you have any trouble getting the link from Eventbrite, simply text me prior to class and I will text you the link. 860-965-9995
Cancellations, weather related changes and details are posted
1 hour prior to class on our homepage. www.sacred-center.org
(*no classes Dec 25 - Jan 2)