Embracing Winter
by Jo delAmor
Winter gets such a bad rap sometimes!
The cold and dark times are not appreciated by everyone. Our modern society is strongly geared toward enjoying the outgoing, fun, extroverted, warm and productive aspects of the Spring and Summer while dreading the inward, dark, cold, and quiet aspects of the Fall and Winter. This perspective is a lopsided view of the year. It lacks awareness of the importance and beauty of ALL aspects of the cycle.
The year and its seasons are an expression of the continually revolving cycle of life. Each season reflects an aspect of the life cycle of birth-growth-death-rebirth. If we are willing to examine and embrace this reflection it is easy to see that each season has a unique personality and many lessons to teach us.
As in all aspects of life, acceptance is key. Aligning with the seasons allows you to accept the natural flow of life. With this alignment and acceptance you will be able to experience the energy of the natural world as a support and aid to your personal development. Allow the Winter to bless you and teach you in these simple ways.
Slow down
Winter is the time of year when life retreats into itself so it can reflect, transform and be born again. The seed dreams itself into existence while it germinates in the dark, cool soil. The baby takes form in the watery darkness of the mother’s womb. The mystery of this deep Yin power is charged with magic. It is the void from which all things are born.
If you are able to slow down and look within during these Winter months, you can receive deep teachings from this mystery. With true introspection in this time of year comes deep personal growth and the opportunity to be reborn out of old and bothersome patterns. This is your time to prepare the dark, cool soil for the seeds you will plant this coming year.
- Rest. Take a break from the normal bustle and let yourself relax.
- Watch and listen. Observe the world around you. Study it.
- Reflect on your personal experience of the past year. What have you been through? How was it? What did you learn?
- Dream. Tinctures of Kava root can help enhance your sleeping dream state. Intentional lucid dream work can also be very helpful.
- Vision. Consider what you truly want to create and experience in your life. Daydream and fantasize.
- Heal yourself. Get body work, do therapy.
- Write in your journal. Go inward to reflect and process.
- Create artwork, beautiful meals, a cozy home. Allow yourself to be creative during this precious time.
Enjoy
Winter happens. There is no doubt about that!
Instead of resisting, complaining or just biding your time until Spring, you can choose to enjoy it. You’ll have more fun generating positive energy and, of course, as they say, ”time flies…”
Here are some fun Winter activities to enjoy
- Drink hot tea (or cacao)
- Read, write
- Knit, sew, craft
- Cook yummy nurturing food
- Paint, play music, express yourself
- Learn something new
- Engage your inner world, your intellect and your emotions
- Sled, snowboard, ski, snowshoe, bundle up and take a walk,
- Watch the sunset through your window, cuddling up to the fireplace or heater.
Celebrate
Have you ever noticed how many holidays there are within the months of November and December? If every human culture on the planet celebrates a major holiday during this time there must be something very special worth celebrating.
Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year) is a turning point. From this day until Summer Solstice (in mid June) the days get longer and longer. Although the change in light is slight at first and the cold and darkness pervades, ancient peoples recognized and celebrated this day as the birth of the sun. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, bringer of the light of love. Hindus celebrate a festival of light called Diwali and Jews celebrate Chanukah, also known as the “festival of lights.”
You can create your own way of bringing the true spirit of celebration into any holiday observance. Even if you choose not to observe any particular holiday, the spirit of celebration, which is gratitude and reverence, can be woven into your days. Notice what you appreciate about your life (and life in general) as the year passes into increasing light and express it your own unique way.
Eat with the Season
Seasonal eating helps your body align with the cycle of the year and facilitates the development of strong physical health. Each season presents a different set of physical circumstances for your body to deal with. You can provide your body with the specific nutrients and qualities it needs to successfully deal with these changing circumstances by eating seasonally appropriate foods. These foods are usually the ones that would be naturally available in your area during this time of year.
For Winter health include:
- Whole Grains
- Sweet Veggies & Root Veggies
- Potatoes & Squash
- Beans, Legumes & Nuts
- Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, curry, cayenne, etc.
- High Quality Meat (if you are comfortable with this)
- Good herbal teas such as ginger, osha, echinacea, nettles, licorice, etc.
Winter Blessings to you…