"You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep others warm."
— Anonymous
Well, it's almost December, and I'm determined to get a few more Yogi Notes out to you before the end of the year!
So let's talk about the Madness that is December! Yup, it’s almost that time again. The calendars are crammed, the shops are chaotic, the inbox is overflowing, and if one more person cheerfully says “Only 4 weeks till Christmas!” you might just spontaneously combust.
You are not alone. I am exhausted, and we are still days away from December 😭
December can feel like an emotional rollercoaster of glitter, expectations, social juggling, end-of-year pressure, and just a whole lot of stuff. Add in the sheer physical and mental fatigue that naturally builds after 11 months of showing up for life, and it’s no wonder so many of us arrive at the end of the year feeling frayed at the edges.
But what if...just what if...you didn’t have to white-knuckle your way through the festive season?
What if you could choose to thrive, not just survive?
🌿 Yoga Reminds Us to Come Home
In yoga, we learn to return to ourselves again and again. With every breath, every movement, every pause, we are invited to remember: You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to soften. You are allowed to say no.
And not just allowed but encouraged.
We don’t have to accept the cultural myth that December has to be chaotic to be meaningful. Slowing down doesn’t mean missing out; it means making room for what actually matters.
Instead of trying to keep up, yoga teaches us to tune in.
🌬️ Breathing Room in the Madness
One of the best gifts you can give yourself this season isn’t wrapped in a bow. It’s the gift of presence. A quiet moment. A breath that expands your ribs and your soul.
Even just five minutes on your mat. Even just one hand to your heart. Even just noticing that you’re overwhelmed...and choosing to soften.
This is the yoga we live, not just the yoga we do.
🕯 A Season of Santosha
The yogic principle of santosha means contentment; not the forced, fake-it-‘til-you-make-it kind, but the grounded, graceful kind that comes from accepting what is, finding peace in the now, and releasing the need for everything to be perfect.
It’s okay if the to-do list isn’t done. It’s okay if you need to miss a thing or two. It’s okay to protect your peace.
Your presence, not your perfection, is what makes this season magical.
💫 How to Truly Thrive
Thriving in December might look very different to what the world says it should. It might be:
- Going to fewer things, but showing up fully
- Taking extra naps, walks, or baths
- Saying no with love and yes with clarity
- Giving yourself the same tenderness you give to everyone else
- Choosing connection over consumption
- Slipping out of a party early to lie on the floor and breathe
You don’t need to wait for the new year to rest, reflect or return to yourself.
Start now.
🌬️ Grounding Practice: “3-Minute Calm”
This is a quick and powerful way to downshift from stress into presence. Perfect for a busy December.
✨ Find a comfortable seat or lie down. Close your eyes.
- Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly.
Feel your breath beneath your palms.
- Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts
… hold gently at the top for 2 counts
- Exhale slowly through your nose for 6 counts
… hold softly at the bottom for 2 counts
Repeat this breath cycle for 5 rounds.
Let your exhales lengthen. Let your shoulders drop. Let the end of the year soften.
Optional mantra to repeat silently with your breath:
“I am here. I am calm. I am choosing peace.”
You can do this before heading to a gathering, in your car, on the couch, or even standing in line somewhere. It brings you back to yourself in minutes.
This season, may your yoga be a lifeline, a refuge, and a quiet reminder that you get to choose how you move through it all.
What's happening in The Pantry? 🧘♀️
Closing and Opening Dates!
We will be holding our very last class of 2025 on Saturday, the 20th of December and our very first class of 2026 on Monday, the 12th of January.
If you have a Fast Track pass or a standard membership, or a monthly pass, your pass will be put on hold between those dates.
VIP Memberships will not be put on hold unless requested; instead, our VIP members will receive regular yoga videos (almost daily) from Tash with various kinds of yoga that you love, including some special "you've probably never done this before" stuff: :)
Plus, you also have access to the video library, which will also have some of your favourite classes for this year.
Final Soundbath of the Year!
Join Tash THIS Sunday at 5 pm and let the rainforest wash over your senses and melt away the stress.
Tash is going to take you on a journey through the rainforests, all you need to do is lie down and let the soothing sounds of rain sticks, ocean drums and singing bowls wash over your senses and fill you will a deep sense of calm and contentment.
One last chance to rest, receive, and reset before the year’s end.
Book your mat TODAY!
Spaces are nearly gone!
BOOK IT NOW and secure your spot in this special event.
Head here to book all your regular yoga classes there are only a few more weeks before Christmas!
Remember, you can join us online from anywhere in the world, live or at a time that suits you, with our instant 14-day on-demand Zoom recording!
Don't forget you can also join us for a FREE meditation session every Saturday morning, and even if you can't, you can book in via Zoom and do the meditation later in the day, or every day, until the next session :)
Your YouTube class of the week
Look at the studio back when we first started in the new space! The jungle hasn't yet established itself :) And I don't even fit those yoga pants any more 😬😂
Meanwhile, I chose this video because the last few classes I've taught this week have been neck and shoulder specific, as that's what you've been enthusiastically requesting, so here's another one to keep the stress from creeping back into those problem areas ;)
Enjoy.
As always, sharing is caring, so please share these videos with someone you think will benefit.
With love and a peppermint tea in hand,
Tash x
P.S If you wish to receive these amazing Yogi Notes straight to your inbox, sign up HERE
You can also catch up on previous Yogi Notes right HERE
P.P.S Don’t forget to share your Yoga insights on social media with the hashtag #TheYogaPantryLife #Yogaislife
Let’s spread the yoga love far and wide!
I see you, and I appreciate you. You are awesome x
