If you’ve stepped outside this week, you’ve likely felt it: the grey, drizzly January chill that makes you want to crawl back under the duvet with a cup of tea. And yet, our phone screens are telling us the exact opposite. They are screaming about “New Year, New Me,” 5:00 AM gym sessions, and radical life overhauls.

It feels a bit like trying to force a flower to bloom in the middle of a frost.

Last year, I wrote about my skepticism regarding New Year’s resolutions. It’s not that I don’t believe in growth—I do!—but I’ve never quite sat comfortably with the idea that we should force a total life overhaul just because the calendar flipped a page. I’m inviting us to treat this month with a heavy dose of Ahimsa (non-violence) toward ourselves.

The Resolution vs. The Sankalpa

In the UK, January often feels like a month of “reaction.” We try to “fix” ourselves because we feel we’ve been too much (too much food, too much drink, too much festive chaos) or that we are not enough (not fit enough, not disciplined enough).

Whether it’s Dry January to counter the “too much,” or a new gym regime to counter the “not enough,” these goals often share a common root: they are reactions to guilt or external pressure.

In yoga, we practice the Sankalpa. A Sankalpa is a heart-felt intention. It doesn’t deny that you want to change, but it starts from the radical belief that you are already enough. It’s the difference between “I’m going to the gym because I hate my body” and “I’m moving my body because I value my health.”

Change is Good—But Timing is Everything

I want to be clear: Positive change is a wonderful thing. Setting goals, evolving, and wanting to feel better in your skin are all signs of a healthy, vibrant life. In yoga, we call this Tapas—the “heat” or discipline that transforms us.

But Tapas shouldn’t feel like a punishment.

If we look at the world around us, January is deep winter. It’s a time of dormancy and quiet. The trees in Brockwell Park aren’t trying to grow new leaves right now; they are busy strengthening their roots. Forcing a massive life change on January 1st can feel like trying to force a deep backbend before you’ve even unrolled your mat.

Your “internal season” might not be ready for a transformation just yet. And that is okay.

Start Whenever Works for You

On our mats, we learn to listen to the body. Some days we have the energy for a power flow; other days, we need forty-five minutes of Child’s Pose. Life is exactly the same.

If you aren’t feeling that “New Year” energy right now, don’t force it. There is no spiritual merit in setting a goal you aren’t ready for just because it’s the first week of the year.

The mat will still be there in February. And if you’re looking for a way to start that feels like an invitation rather than a “fix,” I have two ways we can practice together when the time feels right for you.

Ready to begin (at your own pace)?

If you’re waiting for the January rush to fade before you step onto the mat, I’d love to welcome you to our South London community in February.

1. Drop-in Classes (Returning Early February) I’ll be releasing the new schedule for my weekly drop-in classes soon. To make sure you get the dates first—and have the best chance of snagging a spot—sign up for my newsletter. My subscribers get first notification before dates go live on the website and socials.

👉 Subscribe here to get the notification (Alternatively, you can keep an eye on my Instagram or the website in late January!)

2. Explore Yoga: The 6-Week Beginners Course (Starts 24th February) For those who want to build a foundation from the ground up, this is a small-group, “workshop-style” journey. We keep the groups tiny (max 6 people) so you get 1:1 support. It’s designed to help you build confidence and actually enjoy the process of starting yoga, rather than rushing into it.

👉 Secure your spot for the February intake

Namaste, and Happy “Whenever-You’re-Ready” Year.