As the days get shorter and colder here in the northern hemisphere it's a natural time for rest and reflection.
Nature always signals to us what we should be doing, if we pay attention and follow her lead.
She rests and renews, preparing for spring.
End of year and perhaps early into the next is a natural time to draw in. It's a natural time to still ourselves, ground down and drop in.
The society we live in impels us to shine and sparkle continually without rest or pause.
It isn't healthy or sustainable.
We need to turn in and tend to our darkness before we can shine out our light.
Shorter, darker days facilitate just that. They affect our energy, vitality, mood and motivation. Difficult emotions may rise to the surface. We may also find our chronic symptoms worsening.
Maybe we'd rather curl up with a hot mug of tea and a book than be out with friends.
Maybe we wish we could clock off at 3pm and go home.
Maybe we naturally crave warm, cooked, starchy foods and root veg. rather than salads.
I'm not suggesting we eat potatoes all day, stay in bed, or never go out!
We still need movement, we still need daylight exposure, we still need social connection, but perhaps we can find restful ways to do these things and factor in more time for stillness, reflection, contemplation and relaxing activities.
So instead of pushing on, can you listen to the call, can you give yourself permission to rest by doing some of the things below?
You can also download my free meditation and affirmations track to support you here:
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