Honoring Rest at the Winter Solstice
“Early Winter is a womb and waiting. It’s the beginning before the beginning, the mereest inkling of possibility. This is a time for deep rest and renewal, for sinking into the self and feeling for the spark that’s buried deep within, dreaming of being born.”
- Maia Toll, Wild Wisdom Companion
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice just happened and we have now crossed the threshold from dark to light. It is time to start welcoming the light back into our days, as they will slowly start to get longer. If we think of the seasons in terms of phases of the Moon, Wintertime would be considered the New Moon. It’s dark and snowy, the sun rises late and sets early. It’s the time of year where planting the seeds, starting to form ideas, setting intentions are ideal. That way in the Spring those ideas can get set in motion.
There is a sense of stillness in the air, waiting for new growth to emerge. It has been one of those winter seasons where I’m in limbo. Not quite burning it at both ends but definitely feeling the burn out. It is a time where I want to rest more then go out into public. A time where I want to take it easy, but the way life is going at the moment I can’t, so I need to actively find pockets of time to rest.
Actively resting, doing restorative practices, listening to your body or taking care of yourself in some ways are radical acts. Even if it is for 5 minutes. You can stop where you are at, and do a little check-in with yourself. There is no wrong answer or anything that you have to strive to be at this moment, no story that needs to be told, you are just noticing.
Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Close your eyes (if it is safe to do so)
Start with the breath. Just notice, is the breath slow or quick?
Then take inventory on how you are feeling, how your body is doing.
Finally, open your eyes
Does anything feel differently? If so, make a note of that and go on with your day.
Whenever I actively rest or take a moment out of my day to take a break, I feel a little rebellious! It’s almost like I broke the invisible rules that society has put on us to not allow us the time to rest.
This winter season, I invite you to be a little rebellious and find those pockets of rest, whatever that looks like for you.
I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating this winter season with friends, family, or chosen family. Remember to take care of yourself, rest if you need to and enjoy the time celebrating this season of magic and wonder.
