A December of Devotion — Living Ishvara Pranidhana Through the Holidays

The holiday season can easily pull us into overwhelm, but it can also open our hearts to connection, gratitude, and presence. Ishvara Pranidhana, often translated as “devotion,” invites us to live from trust, reverence, and heart-led intention.

This winter, create a softer, more loving holiday experience by practicing devotional surrender.

On-the-Mat Practices for Surrender

Devotional Warrior (Humble Warrior): Bow the head, release control, and offer your strength to something larger.

Supported Fish Pose: Open the chest and throat to symbolize receptive trust.

Slow, Rhythmic Cat-Cow: Let the spine move like a wave—effortless and fluid.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Balances the hemispheres of the brain and calms the mind.

Off-the-Mat Practices for Surrender

Gratitude Pause: Before each meal or gathering, pause for one breath of appreciation.

Give Without Expectation: Offer kindness, time, or attention without looking for a return.

Ritual of Release: Light a candle and name aloud one thing you surrender to the greater good.

Our mantra for the week is…

I surrender with love. I receive with gratitude.

Our journaling prompts are…

• How can I bring more heart and devotion into my daily life this month?

• What am I ready to release before the new year?

• Where do I feel guided or supported in my life right now?

And our meditation is…a meditation to connect to your heart through devotion and surrender

Place both hands on your heart. Imagine a warm glow beneath your palms. With each inhale, this light expands. With each exhale, it radiates outward—soft, generous, loving. Let this inner glow guide you through the holiday season with ease and trust.

I surrender with love and receive with gratitude