Winter can be a really tough season for many. Besides the fact it’s cold and dark, it’s also a time when we usually have to work hard to counter the urge to just snuggle up on the couch with a book and a cup of tea. Call me in April!
I would normally see this natural tendency to hibernate as something to be conquered. However, as I’ve experienced in my own wellness journey and those of my clients, there is tremendous healing power in slowing down, in giving your body the chance to recharge and replenish. Our bodies were not made to run on all 6-cylinders all the time.
Like last month, I am asking you to try something a little different. What if you allowed your natural tendencies to lead you and just chilled out? What if you were to take advantage of the winter season to enjoy a little peace and quiet? How might you feel differently come Spring? Imagine what you could do if you weren’t constantly fried or stressed out to the max.
If you’re one of the many who is feeling burnt out, then this may be the perfect solution to the ongoing tension and urgency that has overtaken your life. In order to have greater health, the first step is to de-stress and create the quiet space for you to tune into your what your body and soul really needs.
How do you tune in to the messages and signals from your body? You tune in by thinking and analyzing less and listening more. This annual gift of winter hibernation is the perfect opportunity to listen to your inner wisdom. With this new information, you can make adjustments to what you outlined last month. When you begin to move in a direction that is aligned to your needs, you will be more successful in creating your best life yet.
So what can you do in the next couple of weeks to have a little more peace and quiet; to create a space for reflection and creativity? Here are a few ideas:
- Go on a silent retreat. This could be for 4 hours, 1 day, a weekend, whatever time period fits your need and life right now.
- Practice meditation. No need to sit for hours. You can start with just 5 minutes every day. Sit in silence, play soothing music like the sounds of the ocean or forest, or attend a guided session.
- Take a yoga class. Yoga has the added benefit of providing physical movement, but it’s the deep breathing that will help calm the mind and body.
- Keep a journal. You don’t have to start out ‘Dear Diary.” You can read a bible verse and reflect on it. You can write for a certain period of time about whatever comes to mind or write when you are in a certain situation to learn how, why and what triggers you.
There are as many ways as there are people. Here’s to taking a small step to replenish your well, to listening to your inner wisdom and connecting more with your brillance within. As always, I’m cheering you on!
