Cleansing, Nesting and Resting

Nature looks dead in winter because her life is gathered into her heart. ~Hugh Macmillan 

The wild and wondrous season of Winter is here! Nature is sleeping and it is time for us to journey inward into the darkness to align with the quiet wisdom of stillness, to practice the Art of BEing, to release what is unsupportive and to nourish our roots - all powerful portals for healing.

Creating Space to Exhale

 Below I offer ways to help you consciously slow down this season. See what resonates for you or create your own ways to be in stillness. It can take time and gentle repetition to settle into new ways of BEing. Sit compassionately with yourself through the discomfort, making friends with the parts of you that feel unsure or resistant, and see if you can walk hand-in-hand through it together.

Consider

What are you available for this Winter? What are you NOT available for? What resources are you taking with you into the dark? The last question is by Rebecca Auman.

Journey

Journey to meet the spirit of Winter and ask: What are ways you can slow down? What needs to be released so you can rest? Call in a Winter power animal to support you.

Cleansing

Clear out drawers, cupboards, closets, countertops. Clean fridges, freezers, cars, work spaces, phones and emails. Give everything a fresh wash. Smudge and bless your space.

Nesting

Put your favorite sheets on your bed. Lay out stones or crystals on your nightstand. Set out candles and in the evenings light them. Cover the gaps in your doors. Start a fire in your fireplace or woodstove. Put on a simmer pot with oranges, apples, cinnamon and pine needles.

Resting

Let your to do lists be short. Notice moments of silence that you may resist or try to fill. Consider what can wait, just for now, in the quiet of Winter. Wear your favorite socks and Winter warmies. Start a book or re-read your favorite book. Cook slow meals in the crockpot. Savor a piece of dark chocolate. Play long board games in candlelight. Have deep conversations. Give long hugs.

Let the Wild Within You Speak

Journal your process and insights of wintering, and reflect on a word that represents wintering for you.

May you be nourished and held by the Earth as you rest and renew,

Sarah