Winter is the end of the season cycle – the pause before the birth of a whole new cycle. It is the time of metaphoric death and renewal – the stillness (yin) just before expression (yang). Everything in nature appears to be lifeless & to have stopped growing. Today’s Winter Solstice (in the Southern Hemisphere), signifies the shortest day and the longest, darkest night. This day and this season signify a time to turn inward to the stillness and darkness as a path to find the spark of light that leads us on the path back to the light and warmth as the sun’s warmth starts to grow again. Surrendering to the stillness on the winter months allows for the potent gestation of the seeds of renewal & to new beginnings.
To be in tune with the winter months we must become more introspective and storage-oriented; one cools the surface of the body and warms the inner core. It is time to rest, to meditate deeply, refine our spiritual essence, and store physical energy – in the form of a little added weight for the cold season. But we must also remember to stay active enough to keep the spine and joints flexible….
Gentle stretching
Our energy tends to become stagnant in the colder weather. Gentle stretching can help to keep the energy moving through our bodies and is a key element of staying balanced and boosting our immunity during the winter months. Perhaps join a yoga or pilates class or indulge in a few gentle stretches before bed and first thing in the morning.
Energy conservation
Snuggle under the quilt (even if it is on the couch) and indulge in some fabulous guilt-free rest! Like the bears in their caves, take a tip from nature and take some time out to hibernate. Conserving our energy when it’s cold outside helps our body to rest & repair and build energy for the warmer months.
Warm, nourishing foods
During winter it is important to keep the chest and lungs warm and relatively dry. Vegetables that resemble the shape of the lungs are particularly nourishing for them – such as cauliflower, broccoli & broccolini. Warm hearty soups, whole grains, roasted nuts and steamed wintergreens are also great for boosting your immune system.
Listening to inner wisdom
Flowing on from the slowing of Autumn, the stillness of the coldest months gives us a chance to turn inward and reflect on our wants and needs. Take regular moments to embrace the silence and listen to your inner wisdom. Ask yourself where are you heading? Does your course need correction? What do you need? What can you give?
WINTER PATTERNS
With Winter comes the season for rest & deep meditation….
Element: Water
Organs: Bladder/Kidney
Emotion: Fear
Colour: Blue
Sense-organ: Ears
Taste: Salty
Sound: Groaning
Cultivation: Store
Common problems
lumbar pain, hearing difficulties, fluid retention, urinary infections, exhaustion, joint ache/pain
Recommended
warming spices (cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, mustard seed), vegetables that resemble the structure of the lungs – cauliflower, broccoli, broccolini. Grounding vegetables like carrot, radish, fennel and beetroot.
Avoid
ice cream, yoghurt, cream, potatoes, bananas, chicken
I invite you to turn inward this Winter Solstice – to surrender to deep contemplation and travel deeply inward, listen to the whispers from the silence within.
