Embracing Stillness - Living in Alignment with the Seasons: winter
Winter is Coming
As we begin to approach the beginning of winter, we start to notice the natural shift around us as things begin to slow and go dormant. The leaves have fallen from the trees. Animals have gone into hibernation. The sun sets early in the evening. Everywhere we look, the world around us has gone dormant and still. The blissful songs of the birds in the early morning light have calmed and the air has a chill to it in the mornings. The season has changed - the warmth has been replaced with coldness; light replaced with darkness. Everything around us feels still, quiet, calm, restful. Nature moves with a natural rhythm. A gentle knowing of existence, of being, of doing that does not require intervention from outside forces. There is an instinct of when and what to do, effortlessly.
It is this effortless existence that we can take inspiration from to embrace a more centered way of living. Many times as human beings in a capitalistic world, we find ourselves feeling forced to keep up with the rhythm of what is around us - the constant hustle and bustle of the grind culture. We live in a world that “never sleeps” and constantly pulls us in different directions with various obligations and distractions. It becomes hard for us to see how we are being affected and living out of alignment with our natural instincts. The question therefore becomes, how can we live in better alignment with nature and the seasons?
This is not an exhaustive list of ways to live in better alignment with the seasons but rather how we can embrace moments of stillness and reflection to better understand ourselves and how we show up in each season. In the Western world, we begin our year on January 1st with expectations of new resolutions and habits we are going to implement. Oftentimes finding that by March, our habits or intentions have waned and we are seeking to make new commitments to begin again or get back to what we had started.
A Shift in Perspective
Have we ever considered what it would be like to shift our focus from starting new habits and resolutions in January (winter) to March (spring)? If we look to nature, spring time represents rebirth, renewal, life, and change. The trees begin to bloom. The birds and other wildlife awaken from their slumber to begin new life or migrations to new areas. Things are coming alive and change is afoot! This is the rhythmic new year - not January. Let’s take a look at the breakdown below:
Finding Comfort in the Stillness
Everything happens in its time. Oftentimes, winter can be such an underrated season as everyone tries to rush through it to get to the other side. The darkness and time spent alone/inside can be uncomfortable for some. Yet, this uncomfortability is exactly what we need to experience to truly sit with and become comfortable with ourselves. It’s hard knowing what we need or what we want to focus on next when we are constantly bombarded with other needs in our lives. By taking time to enjoy the winter season and it’s natural pull toward stillness we can begin to learn more about what feels more meaningful to us. Here are some things to practice during the winter season:
Meditation or breathwork
Coloring, drawing, or painting
Taking a bath
Doing yoga
Watching a movie with a loved one
Journaling
Writing poetry or short stories
Reading or listening to audiobooks
Discovering a new hobby
Taking a nap
Having a technology free day
Spending time with loved ones
Watching/listening to the rain or snow
Cupping, reiki, massage therapy or other holistic wellness therapies
Creating a vision board
Wrap Up
There are so many ways for us to slow down and become more gentle with ourselves. By taking time to simply just be with ourselves and listen to our body’s inner wisdom, we can begin to hone in on our natural rhythm of life. I encourage you to take time during this winter season to embrace the stillness and prepare yourself for your rebirth in spring!
