Tuning Into Winter
I hope the new year has been pleasant thus far.
As I walk around nature in awe of its beauty, I wonder how can I be more in tune with nature, more specifically, winter. I love living in a place where you have the opportunity to experience all four seasons but I wouldn't say that winter is my favorite season. Each season is a integral part of a life cycle. Its so brilliant! Because of the brilliance of the life cycle I want to tune into it even more. Most winters, my mind is set on riding out this season so we can get to Spring. Spring is amazing! Yet, without the cold of winter would I be as appreciative of Spring?
When I think of winter, I think of hibernation. I remember learning about hibernation in school many many years ago and was fascinated by it. It is said that hibernation is an adaptation in some animals, a method of survival during harsh winter months when food is scarce. In that hibernation period the heart rate would slow and body temperature would be lowered in order to conserve energy and thus survive the colder months.
As tempting as it sounds to sleep through the entire winter, it is not possible. I have chosen to incorporate some elements of hibernation into my life as a way to tune into the slower energy of winter.
I tend to associate winter with slowing down, getting quiet and more introspective. The other seasons tend to be quite active so it seems appropriate that there is a season with recovery and relaxation in mind. I've been focused on ways to slow down. Here are a couple of things I've incorporated into my winter regimen:
Take more relaxing baths: I'm so used to taking a quick shower most days but on the weekend I treat myself to a long relaxing bath. Using magnesium sulfate crystals and an essential oil (usually eucalyptus or lavender) helps ease stress and relaxes the body. It is also helps muscle cramps. Sometimes I take a foot bath and give myself a nice pedicure. Often, feet are a neglected body part. Foot baths are a great way to change that.
Do Nothing: So many things going on and its easy to get caught up in multi-tasking or being pulled from one project onto another one only to forget where you left off with the original task. It is overwhelming! Because of this, I've dedicated a certain amount of time each day to do absolutely nothing. I set a timer on my phone where I take time to do nothing. I try to let go of thinking of what I "should be" doing or planning the next move or recalling a previous conversation. I just focus on my breathing. Some people call this meditation but I'm just breathing and letting that be the priority. I'm not looking at my phone, nor am I reading a book or watching tv at that time. I'm just breathing.
Journaling: This season I'm making journaling something that I do often because I believe introspection is important. It is key to growth and expansion for me. When I look back at previous journal entries from one or two years ago I can see the changes in my thought process (for better or for worse) and choose to do something differently or give myself credit for how far I've come. We all need to give ourselves credit for where we are even if we didn't meet our own expectations. I'm sure I am not the only one who is painfully aware that my own worst enemy is often me, unfortunately. And winter season can be a time to move a little slower and reflect a little more but with compassion for oneself.
If you have ways that you tune into nature I sincerely hope that they bring you comfort, rejuvenation and prepare you well for that day when Spring arrives.
I hope the new year has been pleasant thus far.
As I walk around nature in awe of its beauty, I wonder how can I be more in tune with nature, more specifically, winter. I love living in a place where you have the opportunity to experience four seasons but I wouldn't say that winter is my favorite season. Each season is a integral part of a life cycle. Its so brilliant! Because of the brilliance of the life cycle I want to tune into it even more. Most winters my mind is set on riding out this season so we can get to Spring. Spring is amazing! Yet, without the cold of winter would I be as appreciative of Spring?
When I think of winter, I think of hibernation. I remember learning about hibernation in school many many years ago and was fascinated by it. It is said that hibernation is an adaptation in animals, a method of survival during harsh winter months when food is scarce. In that hibernation period the heart rate would slow and body temperature would be lowered in order to conserve energy and thus survive the colder months. As tempting as it sounds to sleep through the entire winter, it is not possible. I have chosen to incorporate some elements of hibernation into my life as a way to tune into the slower energy of winter.
I tend to associate winter with slowing down, getting quiet and more introspective. The other seasons tend to be quite active so it seems appropriate that there is a season with recovery and relaxation in mind. I've been focused on ways to slow down. Here are a couple of things I've incorporated into my winter regimen:
Take more relaxing baths: I'm so used to taking a quick shower most days but on the weekend I treat myself to a long relaxing bath. Using magnesium sulfate crystals and an essential oil (usually eucalyptus or lavender) helps ease stress and relaxes the body. It is also helps muscle cramps. Sometimes I take a foot bath and give myself a nice pedicure. Often, feet are a neglected body part. Foot baths are a great way to change that.
Do Nothing: So many things going on and its easy to get caught up in multi-tasking or pulled from one project onto another one only to forget where you left off with the original task. It is overwhelming! Because of this, I've dedicated a certain amount of time each day to do absolutely nothing. I set a timer on my phone where I take time to do nothing. I try to let go of thinking of what I "should be" doing or planning the next move or recalling a previous conversation. I just focus on my breathing. Some people call this meditation but I'm just breathing and letting that be the priority. I'm not looking at my phone, nor am I reading a book or watching tv at that time. I'm just breathing.
Journaling: This season I'm making journaling something that I do often because I believe introspection is important. It is important to growth and expansion for me. When I look back at previous journal entries from one or two years ago I can see the changes in my thought process (for better or for worse) and choose to do something differently or give myself credit for how far I've come. We all need to give ourselves credit for where we are even if we didn't meet our own expectations. I'm sure I am not the only one who is painfully aware that my own worst enemy is often me, unfortunately. And Winter season can be a time to move a little slower and reflect a little more but with compassion for oneself.
If you have ways that you tune into nature I sincerely hope that they bring you comfort, rejuvenation and prepare you well for that day when Spring arrives.
Blog Post Title Two
Rockaway Farmers Market 2022
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