Settling into the winter season
While it may technically still be “fall”, there is a definite shift in the season as we are approaching the official start of winter. I don’t know about you, but I have spent many winters in a deep depression. Short daylight hours, weeks of rain and gray skies, limited opportunity to get outdoors… it would start to feel suffocating. I would quickly start to feel a bit checked out, numb, unmotivated, sad, detached, apathetic, and so fatigued.
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I finally had my first winter without going deep into this internal darkness. I want to share with you what change within me and within the world around me that was so pivotal in this shift… maybe it’ll help you too?
The first shift was in my mindset. I know how annoying that sounds… but let me tell you- it’s NOT all in your head… but it is helpful to start there. I was pruning parts of my garden in the fall and it suddenly occurred to me; all of nature was preparing to rest for the winter. The leaves had fallen, the flowers cut back, the grass went dormant. It’s a shedding of sorts in preparation for the winter months ahead. It’s an opportunity to recharge and conserve energy so all of nature can come back with the vibrancy and vitality in the spring and summer months. Nature requires a resting period in order to continue to survive and thrive… so why wouldn’t I?
With this shift in perspective, I started to consider ways I could really lean into this season of rest rather than resist it. It began to feel like a time for introspection, stillness, deep intimate connection to myself and others, deeply nourishing and warming meals, and a slower pace. I found ways to make seemingly mundane moments feel special and nourishing. As simple as lighting a candle when the sun set, or being very intentional about my meals so they felt seasonal, warming, and nourishing. I did my best to approach each day and each moment with a sense of presence and mindfulness to prevent myself from just checking out and going through the motions. To be acutely aware of my senses in whatever it was that I was doing at that moment. This helped me feel so much more ALIVE.
I tend to not take a prescriptive approach toward life and healing, so the two main recommendations I have for you are:
Lean into the season rather than resist it.
Find little rituals that make each day feel special and meaningful for you.
If this resonates and you’re looking for support this season, I’d love to chat! You can schedule a free 30 minute private consult so we can talk about how I can best support you.
Pause for Reflection:
What is your current belief system or perspective on the winter season?
What are a few simple rituals you can begin to incorporate into your daily life that can help you embrace the season rather than resist it?
Xo,
Kayla
