January 2026 Newsletter – Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre

A Happy New Year to you all

We have had some beautiful weather this Xmas period, hopefully it has enabled you to have more time outdoors, to admire the beautiful skies at sunrise and sunset, time to observe the tiny signs of growth and activity, snowdrop shoots, hazel catkins peeping between tangled growth, early broad beans, the odd bumblebee… but mostly there is just peace and quiet!! Plants and animals are tucked away resting, roots firmly down, laying firm foundations for the new year ahead. For us too, it is a time for calmness and reflection. Close your eyes, breathe. Even just 5 minutes is so beneficial.

This is a time for reflection on the past year, to let go of anything that hasn’t served you, and then plant the thoughts, the seeds for the year ahead, to make your new sankalpa, for all that you wish for. To grow the future you desire. For life doesn’t just happen to us; we create the world we want. It’s that simple. You either take what has been before and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to trip you up constantly.

The choice does not belong to fate; it belongs to you.

In our newsletters last year, we started looking at “8 uncomfortable truths” we need to accept, by Kausthubha Desikachar. We have reached number 6:

6. Happiness is not a destination!

Happiness is a state of mind. You won’t find it waiting for you somewhere down the road, someday in the future. It is not something you will magically find when you finally get married or land your dream job because happiness is a journey, not a destination. If you can’t find happiness where you are now, you won’t find it anywhere else. Not until you give up the idea that happiness is anywhere but here and start being more grateful for what you have and where you are right now.

Start each day with gratitude for all that you have.

If you find it difficult to stick to a daily yoga practice, of either asana, or breath, mantra or prayer, maybe take a one to one with one of our teachers to help you make a suitable practice, or come to a class or workshop to kickstart you back into your own practice.

This month, as well as our usual monthly workshops, we have an afternoon Mid-Winter Soul Soother with Lucy Bowtell and Rachel Tapping.

And a longer day of Yoga, Zen and Hara – The Vital Centre with Maxine Craig.

Looking ahead to February

Kim Burnham and I have another Open Day for our teacher training Course that starts in April.

Arianna Puran Udini has an Imbolg and Full Moon Singing Bowls Sound Bath, and later in the month, there is a 2-day retreat – Root To Rise with Nicola Moss and Dominique Preston (21st & 22nd February 2026).

We wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you back on your mats!

Namaste
Sharon