My Monthly Blog!

In my Wintering Era

Wintering is a time to rest, to simply be! 

The traditional year starts on the 1st January. However, the astrological new year begins at the Spring Equinox which is around 20-21st March. This is when day and night are equal, symbolising rebirth, growth and new beginnings, which also mirrors what we see in nature. In January nature is still “wintering”, so why aren’t we? 

January is a time of rest, reflection and drawing inwards. However, our modern society often moves in the exact opposite direction to nature and our bodies rhythm. We feel like come 1st January we should have our whole year already figured out, setting resolutions that we break only two weeks later, when our energy is already low. We also spend so much time indoors we become disconnected from nature with artificial light, fixed schedules, dulling our seasonal awareness. We get into a mindset that rest is laziness rather than a necessary phase of inner growth, as well as social media amplifies our urge to transform, improve and achieve goals instantly. Together, all of these patterns encourage us to push forward, creating burnout before the year has even truly begun- when our bodies want us to pause, reflect and find stillness. So the question is, how do we achieve this? 

It can be challenging to simply change your natural behaviour as it is installed in us to be productive, achieve goals and tick off our to do list. We can still do all of this, but at a much slower pace. Honour rest as productive and not necessary. Spend time in quiet, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Reflect, rather than plan- this will long-term help your productivity. Nourish your body with warm simple foods, like a homemade soup! Create earlier nights and soften mornings where possible (I’m still working on this one!). Reduce stimulation, put your phone away two hours before bed to stop instant scrolling. Instead, tend to your inner world through journaling, meditation, warm baths or prayer. Say no to things that don't instantly light you up, protect your boundaries. Trust that growth is not always visible! Finally, practise self-compassion instead of self-improvement and know that returning to yourself is the work of wintering!

November 25 Blog: The Wisdom of Winter: How slowing down nourishes the soul

December 25 Blog: Countdown to Christmas- Finding joy in the little moments