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Whether you celebrate these early winter holidays or not, late November into December tends to be a frenetic time in our culture. You might have shopping and/or making, and maybe some cooking to do. You might opt out of these activities or these holidays completely, but even then you might still feel the cultural pull of this season all around you.
I’ve been noticing that it’s easy to enter the winter season feeling a little bit frayed at the edges. I’ve been reminding myself to slow down amidst this rush and to conserve energy. If it feels right to you, I invite you to join me and do the same.
How this happens will be up to you, but this winter I invite you to rest as we engage with this season of contraction and calm.
Here are some ways to rest this early winter:
Scale back your to do list and focus on what’s essential.
Celebrating holidays? Don’t try to do it all alone; delegate to family members or friends, or get input on what traditions matter most and how these might be modified to create more ease.
Go to bed early and rise late. (One of my favorite winter-season sleep tips from the oldest classical text of Chinese Medicine.)
Fast from social media. Let your mind rest.
Connect with a gentle, but not too sweaty, movement practice to help your joints stay lubricated but to not overextend your energy.
This January, I’m launching my 2025 online workshop series “Rest and Restore”. During these online workshops, I will invite you to get cozy and comfortable using blankets and bed pillows to help your nervous system find more comfort and ease in the support of your own home. We will practice breathing to help us restore equilibrium and conserve our energy.
Never tried restorative yoga before? Try it with me in January from the comfort of your own home. Sign-up as an individual (just you) or as a household (you plus the people in your home).
I would love to hear from you if you have any questions, or if you have tips about how you’re staying sane this winter.
Monica