Attuning to the Winter Season
When the time changed a few weeks ago we were coincidentally going through a cold spell here in western North Carolina (i.e., 20s at night/30s during the day). It felt as if we had fallen asleep in early November and woken up in the middle of January! That week I spoke with several friends and students about how tired we all felt. The utter mind trip that the time change created, combined with our need to suddenly adapt to cold weather and less sunlight shocked our Circadian rhythm making it feel like we had severe jet lag.
Gradually we adjust to the seasonal shift. Perhaps we turn in earlier, responding to our body's desire for more sleep. Perhaps we begin building fires in the fireplace and cooking warm, hearty meals--things that bring us warmth and comfort. Perhaps we turn down outings in favor of chilling in our p.j.s to get cozy and watch a movie or read a book.
Over time, we recalibrate and gear down and feel more in flow with the new season...as long as we notice what our body, mind, and spirit need and we then give ourselves permission to make these adjustments.
When we continue to push forward, as if it was still the energetic warm months, we often experience a rub or dissonance because we're not listening to our need to slow down and draw inward for the winter season. This can lead to exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed, scattered, and anxious. For example, in our culture, the holiday season has gotten so inflated with busyness that many of us get swept into the rush...and often end up overindulging or getting sick because our nervous systems are maxed out. Many of us long for the quieter, simpler version of the holidays years ago.
As a species, we don't hibernate, but sometimes don't you find yourself daydreaming about how nice that would be?
Instead of hibernating, we are wired to busily prepare for the cold weather so we can survive the season with enough food, water, and warm shelter. Plus, being industrious keeps us warm.
With less natural light and more time indoors, we find ourselves in the winter season naturally going inward, reflecting more, looking back on the previous season of growth as well as looking longingly ahead toward the new growth season of spring, making intentions and resolutions for the new year.
This time of year, our attention begins to shift away from the light and warmth of the sun and toward the light and warmth within our hearts and within our homes.
There is a beauty to the stark stillness in nature during the winter season that beckons us to reflect that stillness within, letting go of unnecessary busyness and clutter and finding simplicity and clarity of mind and spirit.
Similarly, the long, black, starlit nights of winter beckon us to befriend the night, fanning the embers of light within and around us to guide and light our way.
When we listen to nature and learn her lessons, we are reminded that we too are a part of nature. As above so below. As outside, so within. So, when we attune to the seasonal shifts, we find greater harmony and grow to appreciate that there is a season for everything. Just as a seed needs the dark, moist soil to germinate and then sprout in spring, we need these cool, dark days to practice letting go, looking to our light within for guidance, reconnecting with and supporting each other through the discomfort of the cold and darkness, and restoring and recharging our being.
