Restoring In Winter Months ~ Self Care Practices
As we gradually approach winter, we’re offered an opportunity to slow down and look inward.
Introspection is not simple; it calls for self-awareness, deliberate effort, and quiet contemplation.
How do we do it?
Ask yourself:
Are my thoughts and actions in harmony with the type of person I want to be?
Am I living my life intentionally and deliberately to reach my goal?
When we reflect and courageously bring our lives into alignment, we are on the pathways that lead us to peace.
A note from our friend Colin Hudon from Living Tea..
Reception…
Tis the season to transition into reception and introspection in the Northern Hemisphere. We are gently being invited to slow down, harvest and store food (resources) for winter, and let go of what we have been holding onto internally. This opportunity creates “space” for new experiences with ‘self’ and others that help us learn, grow and enjoy the moments that are unfolding around us.
Letting Go…
In addition, the Fall provides us with the conditions to welcome us to let go of self arising and unresolved grief. When, we hold onto unresolved grief, past stories and/or repress grief that naturally arises in the present moment, we weaken the energy of the lungs.
A simply approach to processing grief and sadness is to provide yourself the space to be with the emotions, digest them and then eliminate them (let them go). Letting go means lying them down. You do not need to keep returning to the old story, memory or situation. You can give yourself permission to find neutral and move forward. When this occurs, you create more space for positive emotions to fill our lives and hearts. The sadness and/or grief actually is providing you with the opportunity to clean house and welcome in the new. It is our attachment to a situation, person and/or place that prevents us from moving
on.
Activities to support the LET GO…
Deep Breathing. DAILY. Fill the belly and lungs to capacity with air. As you exhale, release through the mouth and gently press the tongue against the teeth.
Eat warm foods. Primary flavor…Pungent. Some supportive foods: garlic, leek, onion, ginger, sweet potato, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, celery, cucumber, mustard greens, radish, walnuts, almonds, black pepper, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, rice, navy beans, soy beans, miso, apricot, pear, banana and eggs.
Integrative approach: Self Care (meditation, self massage, walks in nature, conserve energy, sleep more), Acupuncture, Massage and herbal supplements as prescribed.
NOW IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO:
. Get to bed early. The hours of 10 PM to 6 AM are your best for the most restorative sleep.
. Create a luxurious morning or evening ritual that stimulates each sense.
. Read more for enjoyment.
.Take long baths with candles, incense, and music.
. Slow down by removing things from your schedule and to do list.
. Take care of your skin. Using high-quality organic products of course.
The more you space you create for yourself to receive enjoyment from life, the more abundance you’ll experience overall.
SOME THINGS TO INCLUDE, HOLISTICALLY SPEAKING…
• Eat more root vegetables (i.e. beets, sweet potatoes, onions), warming spices (i.e. ginger, turmeric, garlic) and cooked vegetables
• Include more soups, stews
• Practice Yin yoga
• Get cozy and snuggle with loved ones
• Make time for soulful conversations and connection with your girlfriends
• Create time to connect with yourself through meditation, journaling, and listening to your body and intuition
• Create a practice of letting go regularly. Contemplate what you can let go of today. Is it self-judgment, perfectionism, fear, anxiety or worry? Write it down, burn the paper or allow it to dissolve in water.
