Living With The Seasons: Winter
Welcome to August - the final month of winter. You can feel the leaves are slowly turning. If you look closely, there are bursts of spring and new life, however, slow and steady always wins the race and while you can feel the change in the air, it’s still just as important to tune in and honour the season we are currently in.
Living seasonally is just that - living in a harmonious balance and pace with the changing seasons throughout the year. It’s no coincidence our lives are so closely intertwined with nature. Nature is constantly showing us how to live our lives and flow with the seasons, cycles and rhythms of our daily existence.
By tuning into the natural circle of life, we can find ourselves adjusting to the natural pace and pattern of the world around us while increasing our overall well being and mindfulness.
It’s an opportunity to hone in to our intuition and honouring our needs - yes, this is your permission to rest and sleep in a little longer during this final cooler month!
In the winter, everything slows down, the trees are bare, there is more darkness than light, and before you know it, spring rolls around…and just like that, everything sprouts through again. As this change applies to the world around us, we can apply this concept of seasonal living to ourselves for optimum health, radiance and vitality.
Winter is the Yin, Summer is the Yang
One of my favourite modalities to follow and tune into is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, all aspects of life are seen to exist in an ever-changing balance of Yin and Yang. You can’t have one without the other. By following the seasons and adjusting your daily lifestyle throughout the year, you will not only stay in harmony with nature, but will also retain your own internal state of balance and as a result, optimal health and wellbeing. And from this perspective, right now, winter is when the world is at its most YIN.
In Winter:
Cold temperatures (Yin) are more dominant than warmth (Yang)
The darkness of the night (Yin) exceeds the daylight hours (Yang)
We tend to have lower energy reserves and an increased need for rest (Yin) rather than being zesty and active (Yang)
It’s a time to turn inwards and more stillness (Yin) than being out and about, socializing (Yang)
Aligning with Winter
Stay home and enjoy more rest
While we no longer need to traditionally “hibernate” like we once used to in order to survive, winter is still the time to slow down, conserve your energy and prioritise stillness and quiet. There are lower light levels throughout the day - ignoring this and living out of sync with our circadian rhythms, may lead to burn out. Just like winter, it’s a time for growth, introspection and energy renewal before coming into spring and summer. It’s a time to conserve your energy and nourish the spirit. You heard it here first, enjoy the extra sleep in or cuddles at home.
2. Keep your body warm
It might go without saying, however just like the animals retreat into the warmth of their dens to wait out the harsh winter cold, it’s so important for us to keep our bodies warm and protected from the elements. As it is peak yin (more cold), it is important to balance out with the yang (warmth). Rug up, maintain a warm body temperature, get cosy and comfortable. Keep your feet, neck and lower back warm, especially when outdoors!
3. Eat Seasonally
Ever wondered why there is a surplus of oranges (full of Vitamin C) and berries (Vitamin C and antioxidants) during the winter? Nature knows our bodies and immune system need the extra nourishment and support throughout the colder months. Stay warm by eating more cooked foods than raw (or at least make sure they’re above room temperature), use spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, cardamom, black pepper clove, cayenne pepper to warm things up. Think hearty, warm and nutritious - slow cooked is better. Also try stews, soups, casseroles and porridge!
4. Turn your attention inward
Winter is all about inward expression of energy. Much like how nature around us seems baron, all its energy is simply withdrawn into the core of the earth… hibernating, regenerating, waiting patiently to sprout again. You might find your energy is naturally more depleted - and that’s completely normal! It’s a great time for introspection, learn how to meditate, take that warm yoga class. Spend quality time with yourself, your loved ones, your family. Share nourishing meals, keep warm and enjoy the slower pace of life during this season.
5. Choose slow, gentler exercise
In TCM, every season correlates with an element. Winter is associated with the water element. Since it’s important to stay warm, I am not suggesting an ice bath or jumping in the pool, perhaps a nice walk along the beach on a sunny winter’s day will do the trick. Just like water, think about “fluid” type movements. Tai chi, qi gong, yoga.. Even dancing. Think long, sweeping movements that flow just like a river would. Remember, snow is a form of water too. It’s a great time for skiing, heading to the mountains or ice skating - but don’t forget to stay warm!
Lastly, I leave you with this… We don’t expect flowers to bloom constantly.. So why do we expect it from ourselves?
If you’re going through a hard time now, feeling more tired than usual, a little more… “flat,” please know, things will change, the sprouts will start to come through, and you will bloom and grow again. You will feel bright, spritely and just like sunshine radiating through the summer air!
“We don’t expect flowers to bloom constantly... so why do we expect it from ourselves?”
This article was originally written by Wendy Serrano for the Kailo Journal and you can view it here.