One of the most powerful ways to maintain wellbeing is to follow the lead of nature; noticing the seasons and the energy that they bring. In theory this seems simple - rest in winter, activity in summer, and the good old tradition of spring cleaning is something we can all relate to. While this sounds simple on paper, the realities of this can be quite difficult to embrace.

In particular, a commonly shared concern by patients is a dislike of the winter months, and the depth of feeling that they can bring. Winter is an important part of the cycle of life, providing time for the earth to recover and restore itself in preparation for the arrival of spring.

Humanity has the same need - we don’t just ‘experience’ the same cycles - we are part of it! The acceptance of summer and its outward, expansive energy is so readily embraced - humans are naturally playful, social and active in these times, as we should be!

In this same vein, winter becomes just as important. It is the time where we often meet ourselves, and our deeper needs, wants and desires. With many of the social distractions removed, and the urge to stay in, many people feel some sense of guilt or fear around their natural inclinations during the winter months.

Why do I feel so different in winter?
Does this mean I am depressed?
Why don’t I want to be social?!

Society has an awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and we understand the importance of sunlight and movement for our health. None of that is up for debate, but are we avoiding the natural counterparts of rest, reflection and nourishment? Are we allowing time for the yin season to fulfil its role?

If we can start to view this as a natural cycle, one that matters, we may start to feel less uncomfortable with the depth of our feelings, or getting to know the parts of ourselves and our wisdom that we have buried so deeply. Perhaps, with familiarity and practice, we can come to welcome this time.

The invitation is to rest, and reflect on yourself without judgement. To understand that there is no light without dark, no yang without yin, and indeed no summer without winter. Our joy can come to its fullest height, when we have given time to our depth and our inner world.

Creating some new rituals or practices to follow in winter can make this time feel special:

Find a new nourishing recipe to make and share in a quiet intimate setting.
Make a paper lantern and take a walk at dusk enjoying the quiet reverence of winter.
Write down your dreams and decorate the page with whatever doodles and drawings that arise.
Rug up in your warmest clothes and watch the moon or bathe in the starlight.

Turning Inwards

If winter is a challenging time, and you feel some trepidation about spending quiet time with yourself there are essences that can assist with making this process feel more safe.

If winter is a challenging time, and you feel some trepidation about spending quiet time with yourself there are essences that can assist with making this process feel more safe.

Silver Wattle flowers bloom like bright little suns in the depth of winter.
Dandelion reaches into the earth, drawing strength from the depth and the darkness.
Wild Iris opens to intuition, knowing, and taps into the natural cycles of womanhood.
Me Myself I encourages comfortability with ourselves, and our own company.
Wise Woman taps into the deep knowing and celebration of all aspects of womanhood, and opens us to our inner wisdom.
Divine Feminine Mist supports us to love our wild, deep selves without inhibition.

Winter Solstice - a time to turn inwards