Where is the Magic in Winter?

Winter is here, and with her cold embrace we find new challenges are provided to us. Things like higher heat bills, slower commutes to work, limited outdoor activity as well as the snow which covers everything in Icey glitter. This time of year tends to bring out a little bit of feeling of confinement, as well as some seasonal depression with the light retiring sooner in the day. We long to see and feel the sun on a regular bases along with that beautiful summer breeze. BUT what is the magic in winter that we tend to overlook? I know I personally don’t feel very spiritual while I am brushing off my car for the 3rd time that day. But Spirit tends to whisper to me while I watch the snow fall and drink my morning coffee.

Winter time is considered the time of “rest”. A time when we are relieved of additional tasks to our everyday such as yard work and gardening. Winter also is the time when many animals go into hibernation, another way of going inward. It forces us to go slower, take our time, and teaches us patience for those around us who are also experiencing this season.

How can we use this magic to get the most out of the winter season? Here are few practices you can do to work with the winter time to prepare for the coming energies of spring and summer.

1. Rest. Winter really forces us to slow down in more ways than one, and what a good time to take advantage of exactly that. Really basking in what recharges you and allows your mind/ body/ soul to rest is medicine. Read those books which have been on your shelf for some time. Rekindle your creative spark by creating art that inspires you. Or get some extra sleep while we experience the night coming sooner. Spend extra time tending to your body which works so hard for you during the months you have to be active.

2. Plan your Garden. This could be understood as planning your intensions and dreams, or quite literally as planning what you want to grow this coming spring. Is there something you have been longing to create and grow that will give your soul more of a harvest? This could be dreams, ideas, goals, or a deeper connection with spirit. What do you want to plant and how can you achieve it? What seeds will you use?

3. Reflect. With winter we normally face the New Year, when its tradition to set new intensions for the upcoming year. This is wonderful but tends to lead to unachieved goals if you don’t look back at the past year and reflect on what worked and what did not. Instead of saying “This year I want to lose weight” look at the past year and see what habits were contributing to poor eating or lack of movement. Adjust that part of it and you have a better opportunity to reach your goals. Instead review and observe that “I spent a lot of time watching tv in the evenings when I could have been walking or dancing 2 of the 4 evenings I was sitting. I want to bring in more movement in my life where I use to be idle.” This way you can also pat yourself on the back for the good mindsets and habits you picked up and choose to bring more of those behaviors into your coming season.

These are just some small winter practices that can make the season a little more beneficial to you while you wait for the signs of spring returning. In reality winter has a lot we can use and benefit from. Life has a way of making you feel you must hurry, rush, get it done without time to slow down and just be.

Winter is that magic and medicine that mother nature provides to us, May it find you well this turn of the wheel.