The Light Within - Reflection At The End Of The Year

As the year draws to a close and the last leaves drift from the trees, I feel above all a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for everyone who has been part of my journey this year - those who attended my classes, read my blogs, or started following me on social media. Without your support, I couldn't have realized this dream: opening my own studio and working as an entrepreneur. Your trust and encouragement gave me the strenght to take this step, especially during moments of doubt and uncertainty. For this, I am incredibly grateful.

It has been a year of great changes, of dreams becoming reality, and above all, of growth - both personally and professionally. Every class I had the privilege to teach, every encounter in the studio, has strengthened my belief that we're all searching for the same things: connection, understanding, and a place where we can be ourselves.

Now that winter has arrived, I find myself enchanted every evening by the lights shining throughout Breda. In front of windows, along streets - everywhere you look, you see their warm glow illuminating the dark days. These lights are like stars descended to earth, each with its own story, each a beacon of hope and warmth in the cold winter evenings. They remind us that even in the darkest times, light can always be found.

And now, with the shortest day of the year approaching on December 21st, I invite you to pause for a moment. To feel how this time of year resonates with you. Nature shows us how natural it is to turn inward during this period. The trees stand bare, animals hibernate, and everything seems to come to a standstill.

Do you notice your body asking for more rest? Do you feel the need to slow down, to seek silence? These signals are not signs of weakness or laziness - they are wise messages from your body adapting to nature's rhythm. In our modern society, we sometimes forget that we too are part of these natural cycles.

With the holidays approaching, I want to share another important message: it's okay not to feel okay during these days. There's often such pressure around the holidays - the expectation that we should set everything aside and just be happy. The endless stream of perfect pictures on social media and in advertisements can increase this pressure even further.

From personal experience, I know how heavy this can be. For years, I tried to hide my true feelings during the holidays, masked behind a forced smile and superficial conversations. Until I realized how much space opens up when you acknowledge these feelings - not just for yourself, but also with those around you. The holidays can be a time of genuine connection, where being together can offer comfort and support. Where we can see each other in our complete humanity, with all our joy and sorrow.

My wish is that we all feel the space to honor how we truly feel this season. That we give ourselves and each other permission to be authentic, especially during these days that can be so laden with expectations.

I want to invite you to share a small ritual with me. Before you do this, take a moment to look back on this year. What brought you joy? It doesn't have to be anything big - perhaps it was a stranger's smile, a cup of tea in the morning sun, or an unexpected phone call from a loved one. Pause for a brief moment and feel how the memory warms your heart.

There's a beautiful saying: "One candle lights thousands". One candle can light thousands of others without losing any of its own brilliance. It's the same with us - sometimes we have no idea how much impact our presence, a small gesture, or a kind word can have on others. The light we share multiplies in ways we might not even see.

Now imagine lighting a candle, a flame that burns for you alone. You can imagine this light anywhere - near your heart, in your belly, behind your eyes, or perhaps you hold it in your hands. In these final weeks of the year, you may continue to nurture this light.

And you can light a second candle too. A light for someone who has supported you this year, inspired you, or has given you strength. Someone you're grateful for. Let this candle's light remind you of the connection you feel with this person, and how precious it is.

You know what's beautiful? You don't need to set big goals or participate in traditional 'New Year's resolutions' that are often forgotten by February. It's completely okay if you don't know exactly what you want to achieve in the new year. You don't need to criticize yourself for this. Instead, I invite you to focus on how you'd like to feel. This approach creates space - space to reconnect with yourself in each moment. From this connection, inspired goals can naturally emerge, goals that truly resonate with who you are and what you need.

How do you want to nourish your inner light? What feelings do you want to cultivate? Perhaps it's warmth, gentleness, or maybe strength. You might long for more peace, or perhaps more vitality. There is no right or wrong - there is only your truth in this moment.

At Studio Tree of Life, I create a space where you can slow down, rest, and restore. Where you can be yourself, with everything that entails. Whether you come for a yoga class or a balance session, you are warmly welcome to work with me in the new year towards more peace and balance in your life. To discover your own rhythm and how to respect and nurture it.

And remember: that candle flame you've lit keeps burning. It's always there, even when you can't feel or see it for a moment. Sometimes it's small and flickering, other times bright and strong. Just as the seasons change, your inner light may also change and transform. It doesn't always need to shine brightly - even the softest glow is valuable and beautiful. This light is yours, it is who you are. And in the darkest moments, it can remind you of your inner strength, of your capacity to feel and share warmth.

Let's close this year with the knowledge that we carry this light within us, always. And that we, like that one candle that can light thousands, may continue to illuminate and inspire each other.

Warm regards,

Manoek