Winter has arrived and the nights have grown longer. Along with increased darkness, there is more quietude. As we look around us, we see bare branches. Many plants have gone dormant, there are fewer birds about, and numerous animals hibernate or go into “light hibernation.” During winter we may sense stillness in nature: just think of a time when you have seen a fresh snowfall and felt a hush in the world.
Nature sends us a message that it is okay to slow down, rest, reflect, and even look into the darkness. However, the holiday season brings increased activity, whether it is shopping, socializing and entertaining, eating and drinking, cooking and baking, cleaning and decorating, or traveling.
It is no wonder that we often feel out of balance or overwhelmed. We can easily become out of touch with ourselves and get caught up in an endless search for perfection.
Taking some breaks from the hustle and bustle can be very renewing. We can think of these time-outs as mini retreats. These may be very simple ones, such as going for a walk in nature, sitting with a cup of tea by a fire, lighting some candles and sitting quietly, reading, or taking a relaxing bath. It may be as simple as remember to take a few mindful, relaxed breaths.
More formal times of practice can be extremely helpful too: starting or ending your day with meditation, doing yoga, or practicing Reiki self-treatment.
Getting a massage, acupuncture treatment, or other healing modality can help to balance all the “doing” with some “being.”
Winter is also an excellent time to go on a retreat, and take time away from our usual routines. When we stop a lot of our activities and slow down we begin to notice how tired we are, physically, emotionally, and mentally. A retreat can be healing and deeply restorative.
An extended opportunity to focus on our inner being may help to shed some light on our challenges and struggles. In the quiet stillness we may be able to tune into the things that truly matter to us, let go of some of the things that don’t, and receive inner guidance. It is good time to listen and to be open.
Whether our “time out” is momentary or a weekend, hitting the pause button can be revitalizing. In addition to feeling renewed, we may find a fresh perspective.
Dorian Abel, MS, RYT is the owner of Healing Yoga in Douglassville. An Integrative Yoga Therapist, Reiki Master-Teacher, and consultant on mind/body health, she can be reached at dorian@healingyogapa.com.
