Between the Years: Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra

In German and in some other countries, the days between Christmas and New Year have their own name: Zwischen den Jahren, which means "between the years".

This is a special time between Christmas and New Year, when the calendar keeps moving but most of the usual structure and routine falls away. Offices go quiet, emails stop, and there is finally a little room to slow down after the busyness of Christmas, to look back on the year, and to rest before the next one begins.

I have created two nourishing 90-minute sessions to help you enjoy this unique pause in the year.

On Tuesday, we work with a body that has spent several days sitting at tables and on sofas and bring some movement and breath back into it.

On Wednesday, you get a long, deep rest, with space to let the old year go and arrive in the new one feeling settled.

You are welcome to join one session or both. Each is recorded and available for a month, so if you miss it live, you can practise whenever it suits you.

Wednesday 30 December, 4.30 to 6 pm: Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, Letting Go and Quiet Day

By the second day, the body has usually started to unwind, but the mind is often still busy, replaying the year that is ending and running ahead into the one that is about to begin.

This second session is about letting go and doing nothing: a long, deep rest to lay the old year down gently and arrive in the new one feeling settled rather than rushed.

The practice is slow, well supported, and restorative. It is a gentle invitation to rest and enter the quieter part of the year, winter.

We begin with restorative yoga: a few fully supported postures accompanied by gentle breath, each held for several minutes so the body can stop holding itself up.

After that, you lie down for a long guided Yoga Nidra. This systematic practice of deep relaxation can be more restful than an hour's sleep. Towards the end, there is space to set a quiet intention for the coming year, if you want one. You should leave deeply rested, with a softer, calmer mind, and ready to step gently into 2027.

For this session, have pillows or cushions, two or three blankets, and a belt or scarf nearby.

Details

These two sessions are suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Anyone with ailments, needing to restore, or disconnected for a moment from the world and wanting to reconnect with yourself.

The two sessions

• Tuesday 29 December, 4.30 to 6 pm UK time: Somatic Yoga and Breathwork, Unwinding and Integration Day
• Wednesday 30 December, 4.30 to 6 pm UK time: Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, Letting Go and Quiet Day (This Session)