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Cozy Up with Warm Winter Rituals

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer" - Albert Camus


Winter can bring feelings of sentimentality, a slowing of pace, and an appreciation of the sun, especially in its absence. It can feel hard to get out of bed and do the tasks that need to get done, especially when it feels dreary outside. But we can look to the messages of the Winter Solstice to find peace and proactive hibernation in these cold winter months. 


The Winter Solstice is an opportunity for us to slow down. Mother Nature offers us a chance to find deep comfort in ourselves, our families, and our homes. We cozy up and spend time indoors with the warmth of a glowing fire, candle, or lamp, in effort to feel embraced without that of the sun. I usually have viewed this time, as everyone does, as a lack of motivation, a chore to have to leave the comfort of my bed, and an inconvenience for the daily tasks I need to complete. But as of late, with an understanding of the way the universe places opportunities before us, I see winter as a time for introspection and goal setting. An acceptance that there is nothing to be done about the weather, the darkness, the cold, and all I am able to do is embrace the slow and learn within it. 


Some practices I have been utilizing since the beginning of the chilly months, have been journaling, meditation, and spending time with or on the phone with people I love. For me, being away at college, thousands of miles from home has its benefits, but in the dark, cold months, it can be hard to not feel lonely. By thinking about what I am grateful for and about the people I get to go home to at the end of the semester, I am able to enjoy the temporary halt that winter brings. 


On a ritualistic level, the worldly traditions of the Winter Solstice involve feasting, celebrating, and honoring the end of a cycle, and the beginning of a new one. The darkest day of the year isn’t depressing or mournful, it instead is a celebration of the accomplishments and blessings that came from the year. It’s a celebration of the slowing down, the marker of family time, and the chance for intention-setting for the year to come. 


Mother Nature has her plans, and winter has always been a part of them. It can be easy to feel resentful or frustrated with her when she brings such a slow, cold time- especially for those of us who are busy-bee over-workers. I understand that feelings of guilt can arise within the force of slowing down, but remember that you are not able to show up 100% if you aren’t given time to recharge. Winter is Mother Nature’s way of recharging herself and allowing all of her creations to breathe. So use this time to soak up the comfort of knowing that everyone is slowing down, and you can too. Embrace the darkness as a sanctuary for self-care and notice what parts of yourself are revealed in this healing time. 


Ready to embrace the Winter Solstice vibes? Cozy up with a cup of tea and this journal prompt to get you started:


What slows me down when I feel too frantic, and how do I lean into those things with love?


 
 
 

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