Yule ~ a juxtaposition of energies

The hectic winter season is underway ~ where society pulls us into chaotic rhythms of social after social, late nights, challenging nutritional input, and go-do-now mentality. Meanwhile, our natural rhythms ~ as always role modelled by nature ~ are ones of hibernation, guided by the lengthy periods of darkness, and frost. ​

Nature tells us it’s time to rest; all but the hardiest of fruits and flowers are over; even leaves. The sap in deciduous trees falls. Leaves fall, the sugary sap sinks straight to the roots, to wait out the coldness of winter. Only once the warmth of spring is felt, does the sap rise up again, ready to sprout new growth in its canopy.

​I just love the quote from Tolkein below, noting several nature-based metaphors for this time of year. Many of us perceive winter (at least in the UK!) to be a dull, boring season, preventing us from achieving, enjoying, and relaxing. Yet just because it isn't bright, doesn't mean there aren't gems to be found; twinkly lights, beautiful skies (night and day), the joy of reading and other quiet activities, and the cosiness of 'nesting' at home. Inertia, rest, and quiet do not equate to disorientation; potentially quite the opposite ~ wandering is one of my favourite ways to find myself. Age, in nature, is not the end of the world; it's strength that matters. And lastly, this time of rooting deep down to rest and keep warm, like the hive of activity taking place within the soil in winter (roots working to limit freeze-damage, and creatures seeking nests to retreat) is a great way to keep warm and generate energy ready for the coming spring; shallow roots wasting energy at the wrong time of year lead to a weak and vulnerable plant.

This leaves us with quite a balance to strike between seasonal expectations and natural rhythm. You might find you are more tired at this time of year, perhaps lower in motivation, even in mood. This might make it harder to get out to see all the people, or get all the things done. If you take away the striving, the ‘shoulds,’ ‘musts,’ and ‘oughts,’ what message is your body sending you? What is your body asking of you? ​

Maybe you go the opposite way, and thrive off the socialising and the pressure. It can bring some brightness and warmth to an otherwise bleak time of year. This isn’t uncommon, just make sure you can find some stillness to listen to your body, and consider, what is nature calling you to do? How can you embrace the rhythm of nature at this time? Amid competing demands of parties and presents, pressures of money and time... better, perhaps, to stay grounded, seeking nurture over noise. However you find warmth and light in this season, be it hygge, candlelight, or roasted vegetables… make time to find stillness, move your body gently, and choose restful activities ~ oh, and notice nature as you go. ​

Five ways to harness the natural rhythm of winter...

• Identify three restful activities you enjoy or would like to try (reading? knitting? doodling?  listening to music?)
• Take a relaxing bath ~ create a temporary watery nest
• Spend an evening by candlelight and/or lamplight; no bright/overhead lighting
• Get outside and notice the change in nature ~ temperature, colours, sounds, quality of light, quality of air
• Journal ~ reflect on how you feel about this season, or this point in the year. As we leave behind the darkest day of the year, what are you willing to leave behind with it?