Practical Ways to Make the Most of the Seasonal Shift and prepare of 2024

FIVE TIPS FOR WINTER SOLSTICE

1. SLOW DOWN and COCOON 

Easier said than done if you have a busy year-round work schedule that does not change seasonally. (most people). But there are creative ways, and here's one of my favorites.  

When the nights get longer and the temperature drops, practice "Cocooning."   Think of a cocoon as a protective shell or covering you can crawl into and snuggle up with yourself. A couch by an open fire with a blanket and warm tea comes to mind. Start with 10 minutes daily and build to a half-hour over a week or two. Make this cocoon time a priority and schedule it on your calendar for a time of day when it will work and give you uninterrupted cozy-up time. This is a critical and important first step to precede you New Year goal setting. 

2. ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE

Even if you can't make significant changes to your schedule, you may be able to make some adjustments. For example, as the days grow shorter, take your evening meal a little earlier and retire to bed a little earlier. Use the time to read articles or listen to podcasts related to releasing the old and embracing the new.   In the mornings, if you are awake before sunrise, use the quiet darkness to meditate, engage in a slow-flow yoga practice, or maybe take the time to go for a short walk. Bundle up and embrace the cold any way you can.

3. REFLECT and JOURNAL

Take time to reflect and embody the big questions for the Solstice. "What can I let go of? What do I no longer need to carry forward into my life? What no longer serves me? What can I give up, set free, or release?" It helps to ask these questions from an embodied state of being. Do a bit of vigorous moving and breathing, sit in silence for a few minutes before, and direct the questions to your inner wisdom rather than your thinking mind. You practice tapping into your "felt sense" or "consciousness" beyond your analytical mind.   And if you haven't before, this is a great time to start a journal. Free write your answers to these big questions. No editing is needed. Allow whatever comes from inside to flow out of you and onto the paper. ( I find writing is way better than typing for this activity).

4. GET INTO YOUR BODY

Embrace nature with some short walks, and do not be deterred by the cold. There is something magical about being outdoors at this time of year. Look for symbols that connect with the life cycle, particularly this dormant phase. I often return home from my winter morning walks with pine cones, dead leaves, seeds, or dried berries. They are great to hold for a few minutes before asking some of the big questions mentioned above.   At this time of year, I also like to practice slower, more internally focused yoga and meditation. (I'll share one with you in a future email in a few days). This is also a great time of year to schedule a massage for yourself. 

5. CONNECT

Find a friend or partner with whom you feel safe sharing your deepest thoughts. Let them know what you are planning to let go of and some of your dreams and visions for the future. Remind them that you are not looking for advice. You want to share and be heard. If you don't have someone you can do that with, then go to someone who can, like your therapist, Phoenix Rising Yoga therapist, or Dharma teacher. Sharing your inner work gives it power and supports the birthing process of what you are opening to in the future.