First, a personal reflection... Winter can be dreary, gloomy, blah, and many other things. Personally, it has always been a source of pain because of the depressing mood imbued by the short days and long nights, the way snow tends to inhibit our everyday mobility outdoors with its constant mix of slush and ice, the bird songs are fewer, the heavy layers one must wear to stay comfortable... When I lived a few years away from the northern winter climate, winter gave me the opportunity to recognize how I could utilize its solitude and inner turning qualities in the yearly cycles of seasons in my life. When moving back to the northern winter climate, it is still difficult, but I find that embracing, instead of resisting, my instincts to hibernate, simplify, get cozy and dig deep down to be a much more meaningful experience. It allows me to take inventory within my self, in my relationships, in my environment.
After winter solstice, the days begin extending and there is hope on the horizon. Come spring and summer, our quiet winter allows us to blossom again and feel the warmth and light of the sun anew, with less baggage and more clarity of what is most important in life. Embracing these winter season traits allows me to re-connect with where I want to invest my energy and time, what I want to appreciate through a deeply present focus, and where I want to be creative, generous and abundant as the year unfolds. I used to resist the cleaning-slate opportunity that winter presents, now I learn to embrace it a little more each year.
When traveling in Denmark some years back, I read a proverb about how there isn't any bad weather, just the wrong clothes. This is so true, and was a great mindshift for me. Not just literally, but figuratively! There aren't any bad seasons, just the wrong mindset and expectations. While I'd love to live in an endless summer, I have definitely come to appreciate and value the opportunity to take this pause and inner journey each year as winter transpires.
Read on for more winter inspiration...
Journey Inward: Finding Meaning and Comfort in the Winter Season
Welcome the Natural Instinct to Wind Down
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, a biological shift occurs for many of us during winter. Our energy turns inward, our pace slows down, and our bodies and minds instinctively know it's time to rest and renew. Give yourself permission to step back from unnecessary burdens to prioritize self-care.
The winter solstice marks the gradual return of light, but until then, welcome this inward focus. Simplify where you can. Clear your calendar for quiet weekends at home to catch up on rest as needed. Listen to your natural instinct to take a pause.
Welcome shorter days as an opportunity to disconnect from the frenzy of life and tune into your inner wisdom. Honor your body’s need for more sleep, warmer foods, and a slower pace. Say no to demands on your energy that can wait until spring.
Get Cozy and Comfortable...Hygge
The Danish concept of “hygge” embraces the coziness and contentment we intuitively crave during the colder months. Give yourself warm blankets, comfy sweaters, soothing teas, and homey nooks to nest in.
Lean into attachments that replenish you with affection, laughter, and joy. Disconnect from those draining your reserves. Surround yourself with people and environments that nourish your spirit.
Light candles, savor comforting foods, play soft music, and create an atmosphere of safety and care. Find meaningful connection that feeds your soul. Craft pockets of peace, beauty and belonging to carry you through.
Retreat Into Solitude and Self-Reflection
The inward focus of winter provides the perfect opportunity for introspection. Give yourself ample alone time for reading, journaling, meditating, and other solo activities.
Take stock of the previous year and release what no longer serves you to clear space for new growth. Process any lingering pain or grief from seasons past. Clarify your core values and priorities.
Discern how to walk your path with more authenticity, creativity, compassion and courage. Let the quiet inform how you want to blossom going forward. Write your next chapter guided by inner truth.
Cleanse, Detox and Prepare for Renewal
On the solar level, winter represents the still point before rebirth in spring. You can harness this energy for internal cleansing and renewal.
Organize, declutter and clean to create a fresh foundation in your living environment. Evaluate your self-care routine and nutrition to support cleansing pathways.
Release addictions, toxic relationships or unfulfilling work depleting your reserves. Make space for new inspiration and possibility to take root. Prepare your canvas to welcome creativity.
Winter doesn't stay forever...
The truth of the winter season is that it doesn't last forever...well, unless you're near the north or south pole. And, the hour of daylight will get longer, the vegetation will re-sprout and become lucious, and you will feel renewed again. Perhaps that is the promise and secret that winter holds?
Comments