Embrace Winter Stillness

“In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in the age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.”

– Pico Iyer

I love winter. And it’s taken me a long time to learn this. You’d think that having grown up in Maine (and I do love to ski!), winter would be my favorite season. But conditioning as a child by my adoring and achievement-oriented parents (no fault or blame there – it was the 70’s people!) left me feeling disconnected from seasonal rhythms and overly connected to a productive mindset. As I grew older, I felt drawn to the softer side of winter – it’s stillness, it’s slower pace, it’s quiet magic. Winter reminds us that everyone and everything needs some quiet time.

Soon after my third child was born, I discovered the power of meditation and daily breathwork and I committed to it daily that winter. My world stopped spinning and flourished in a beautiful way. I felt more deeply connected to my intuition, I was more present and I was deeply grateful for the stillness winter afforded in those moments. Winter transforms me, without fail, every year. It is in winter that I always evolve.

“If you are outgrowing who you’ve been, you’re right on schedule. Keep evolving.”

With this season of winter upon us, consider your own relationship to this potentially transformative season and your own evolution. What health goals are you setting for yourself this winter that can manifest when the emergent energy of Spring comes? What holistic approaches are you craving for yourself that you can cultivate during these slower-paced days? In the stillness of winter, you may very well find the answers. And in the meantime, consider these powerful self-care intentions to inspire you.

·   Eat deeply nourishing foods – and lots of plants!

·   Create boundaries that prioritize your health and wellness

·   Rest, sleep, relax, REPEAT

·   Express gratitude

·   Celebrate yourself and the love you are worthy of

·   Breathe deeply

·   Connect with friends and family

·   Hydrate

·   Find daily movement that inspires you

·   Eat with intention and mindfulness

·   Create a life you don’t need a vacation from