Making the Most of Winter (For People Who Don’t Love Winter)

28

MARCH, 2016

Astronomy
Life
Society

My teacher, Shiva Rea, introduced me to the idea of living in rhythm with the seasons.  Spring is the time to bloom, summer is the time to put everything out there.  Now, in the waning light, is the time to plant seeds, to turn inward, to meditate and cultivate.

7 Ways to Flourish in the Winter

1).  Give yourself permission to rest.

The Italians understand this; they call it, “dolce far niente,” or, “the sweetness of doing nothing”.  Sometimes, one needs to go with the energy of the moment and relax, drink wine, sleep in, day dream, or melt into a couch.  I find that during the colder months, I feel less guilty about this.

2). Meditate and explore what you really want.

Winter is the perfect time to begin to develop a meditation practice and to explore your hearts desires.  Where does your mind go when you’re trapped inside?

3) Take time to explore an indoor hobby or interest you’ve neglected.

Learn to play the guitar.  Write your novel.  Become a master baker. Practice dancing in front of a mirror.  Prepare your standup comedy routine.

4) Actively make manageable goals for this time.

Make them specific.  Make them measurable.  Put a date on them.

I’ve always felt that winter would be the time I’d become the person I want to be.  Last year, I decided to use the time I had in France to work systematically toward my goals and dreams.

5)Purchase some winter gear that allows you to get out in the world.

Seriously, long underwear allows me to be a functioning person .  I know that this is not a sexy thing to disclose.

6) Daydream about and/or actively plan an escape to somewhere warmer.

Sometimes, there still needs to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

7). Create Your Own Heat.

Build a fire, make a blanket fort, go to hot yoga, have some tea, have some wine, or maybe just dance until you forget what it means to be cold.

8) Eat Seasonally.

Eating warm, heavier foods will keep your body fueled and more able to function in the colder weather.

9) Appreciate the beauty around you, even if you’re freezing.