Let yourself have a winter
In nature, winter is a time of quiet and stillness. The days are short, plants go dormant, animals hibernate, and snow lays a blanket over the earth. The message is clear: It’s time to rest.
And yet.
For many of us, these holiday weeks are anything but restful.
They’re chaotic, social, and often stressful. They lead into the new year, which can feel loaded with pressure to be productive, execute on resolutions, and make it your best year ever!
Woah.
Watch how nature does it
Human beings are reflections of the natural world around us. We are part of the same ecosystem. And the qualities of each season should be reflected in all parts of the ecosystem.
Nature provides a beautiful blueprint for how to be in winter.
Slow down. Get quiet. Reflect.
This is how you recharge for all the activity and possibilities that emerge in spring.
Think about a seedling trying to bust through some January soil. Every time it tries, it hits a patch of ice and falls back down.
If that seedling keeps it up, what are the chances of it blossoming come spring?
Similarly, when you don’t embrace the rest-and-recharge energy of winter and instead keep barreling forward, you risk becoming exhausted and overwhelmed.
Check your fear response
If you don't follow nature’s message to chill in winter, you may also notice some increased feelings of fear and mistrust.
In Five Element acupuncture, each season is associated with a natural element and an emotion. The element of winter is Water, and the emotion of winter is fear.
When your Water element is in balance, you experience a healthy level of fear. If you see a reindeer running toward you and your family, it’s normal to feel a little scared.
However, when your Water element tips out of balance, inappropriate or excessive fear can surface. The unknown, and particularly the idea of speaking your truth without knowing how it will land, can become especially scary.
If you notice yourself feeling extra fearful, it may be a sign that your Water element is out of balance.
Ask yourself these questions
Self-inquiry is a powerful antidote to fear.
This may feel counterintuitive but when you ask yourself intentional, open-ended questions, it forces you out of fight-or-flight mode and reminds you of your ability to cope with anything life throws your way.
Here are some questions to help you get more connected with your Water element this winter:
What is your biggest fear? Why does it scare you?
Who do you trust in your life? Why do you trust them?
What gives you energy?
What drains your energy?
What makes you feel overwhelmed?
How can you be more comfortable not knowing what the future holds?
Try journaling on these questions. Meditate on your responses. Take a nap and dream about them. Find a coach who can help you navigate whatever comes up.
Winter is your time to reflect without an agenda. It’s a literal “wonder”land! It’s a gift. Let yourself have it.
