Winter: the quiet power of restoration
Winter is the time of year when we should rest and restore. Consider what is currently happening in nature: there’s less daylight – time to go to bed earlier, to hunker down on the sofa in front of a fire, to restore our reserves. The colder weather points us towards warming food and drinks.
Doing less doesn’t mean doing noting. Over winter, nature pauses. Seeds lie in the earth in a dormant state, ready for the right conditions (more warmth, more daylight, gentle rain) to grow.
It’s a time for reflection, learning from our mistakes (and successes!), to go forward. We have the seeds of potential within us: goals, relationships, a family, projects, hopes and dreams. These can be small changes, or gobsmackingly big plans. Which ones do you want to put the effort into over the next year? It’s impossible to achieve everything, so reflect, prioritise and set the scene for the coming year.
Resting in winter reflects the seasonal vibe outside – nature quietens, goes deep within herself, to be able to realise her potential in the future. It’s important to pause and replenish our energy with deep rest. The water element, that of Winter, harnesses our reserves, to give us the resources, endurance and stamina we need for life.
Use the time in Winter well to rest and restore: go to sleep earlier, eat warming & nourishing foods, expend your energy wisely. Mirror the season outside within. Try watching the sunrise every day, to welcome the daylight. If you hanker after movement, take a brisk walk on a sunny day, before curling up as it gets dark. Raining cats and dogs? Take time to simply look out of the window at nature, watching the gentle pause.
Above all, enjoy the pause in the seasons, before Spring leaps into action.