The Meaning of the Season

I was fortunate enough to get to attend a winter solstice workshop years ago led by Deb Buck (a very talented herbalist and yogi) and was reminded of the lessons that rise organically during this time of year. My hope is by sharing the traditional associations with the season it will help to keep you grounded throughout this busy time of year.

As we know, this is a time of year where the days get ever-shorter and there is less light available. This cycle of lightness into more darkness provides an excellent opportunity for doing less. That’s right – less!

Our natural rhythm during this time of year is to slow down, sleep more hours, spending more time resting and relaxing. The shortening of daylight is a gift offered to us to allow ourselves to rejuvenate from the long days of summer that are filled with activities. Without honoring this natural cycle – times of prolonged activity countered by times of prolonged rest – we set ourselves up for illness, deficiency and inflammation (mediated by stress on our system).

According to principles of Chinese medicine, the winter season is associated with the kidneys and the element of water. The kidneys are a filter for the whole body and help us deal with our water appropriately. Support may come like ensuring that you’re drinking enough water (at least 3-4 quarts a day), that you avoid processed foods, use only true sea salt (rather than table salt), and use herbs that are high in minerals and have some diuretic qualities (herbs like uva ursi, horsetail, nettle leaf, parsley and corn silk are some good ones). This season is especially important to support these critical organs.

On a mind-body level, this is the season when we look inward and self-reflect. It is a time associated with the emotion of fear. Fear could manifest in a large way, and typically it shows up as insecurity or indecision.

Many of us get caught up in who we are supposed to be, rather than who we truly are. We can spend a lot of energy hiding those parts of ourselves we have deemed unworthy or troublesome, and this season can bring those fears to light. If I shine forth in who I am, will I end up alone? Unloved?

This is an excellent opportunity to embrace the wholeness of who you are, accepting those parts we have long shunned, and becoming more comfortable in our own skin. Although this can be scary (and usually why we avoided it in the first place), illuminating our fears with light and awareness actually takes away there power and eases the tension between us and ourselves.

I offer deep thanks and gratitude to each of you for allowing me to do the work that I do. While not always easy or without pain, the journey back to ourselves is always worth the effort. My hope is that we can embrace the naturally occurring gifts of the winter season, embracing the darkness and calling in the light.

What can you do right now?

• Write down some ideas of how you can create more space for resting. Support your kidneys with herbs, teas, lots of water and rest.
• Check in with yourself daily – how are you doing? What is coming up for you? Is there fear present?
• Be aware of your confidence level while making decisions. Create some space to tend to your deeper needs.

So remember, tis the season to take some time to rest. And if your “do-er” brain is having a hard time allowing this, let it know that this is a prescription from a doctor that is essential for health! Meet me over in our FaceBook group and we can talk rest and relaxation!