Winter. ❄️

 

Black Door with Snow.

Georgia O'Keeffee

This is always an interesting time of the year.  It can be a time of strong churning dichotomies. To begin with, Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year.   I find great comfort in this.  I love and relish the stillness and quiet that can be found on this day.  It beckons me to turn inward and listen to the deeper currents that gently ripple through my body and soul.  Dark and beautiful.   There can also be a pull to huddle and cuddle with those you love.  Finding warmth, solace and humor in the company of those you feel absolutely safe with.  I find myself gravitating towards this limbic lusciousness more this year than years past. The Holidays are upon us as well. In the darkness of Winter, there is also a well spring of activity around the Holidays.  On one hand, as the weather dictates, we may want to hibernate and snuggle.  On the other hand, there is a strong pull, whether it be organic or forced, to celebrate with friends and family. To help navigate these turbulent waters, as much as you can, pay close attention to what resonates with you moment by moment.  This may change minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.   One of the best ways to do this is by listening to your body.  If there is an activity that you feel drawn to for whatever reason, and your body begins to subtly tighten and your breath shortens, you may want to reconsider.   If, on the other hand, such an activity makes your stomach gurgle and you sigh a bit, chances are you are on the right track. In this very moment your body may want you to make a cup of tea and commune with your favorite tree.  A few hours from now the idea of baking cookies for friends, family and neighbors for the Holidays may fill your body with excitement.  This baking fantasy then becomes a mess induced but delicious reality.   Tomorrow or the next day you might feel the genuine desire to go, with an open heart and strong appetite, to a friend's annual Christmas party. No matter the expectations, no matter the "shoulds" of it all, stay in close proximity to your deepest wants and needs.  Keep listening to your body.  That way, for this solstice and Holiday season, no matter what you do, you will find authentic joy, nourishment and love.