Lean Into Winter~Your Season Of Transformation & Renewal

Did you know that Winter is the season of transformation? 

I know, it sure doesn’t look or feel like much happens during the winter….the trees are bare and resting, snow is covering everything, many animals are hibernating….BUT it’s true that there is much movement that occurs in the winter; all in the hidden and unseen darkness.

In winter, it is common for people to say everything is “dead.”

On the contrary, those bare trees and shrubs are doing what we should all do. They are shifting their focus from their outer being to their inner being.

All of their energy is going back into the dark warmth of the deep soil where their roots can rejuvenate, renewing themselves for another season of productivity.

And so too, are you changing, growing and transforming on a spiritual level.  You may not see it, but believe me, you are different now.  You have already accomplished so many things and learned lessons that have shaped, molded, crushed and rebuilt your spirit.

Winter is a difficult time for many people. The cold, the dreary days of rain or snow, the lack of light, the colds and flu, being cooped up indoors — these are all things that can make winter a miserable time.

But what if you could look at it differently and really lean into embracing what winter has to offer us.

Winter is the time of Divine Rest, when we allow the inner Spirit to take the reins and lead us to higher awareness.  It’s the time to let go, and Let God, so to speak.

Cultures that deal with long dark winters have a thing or two to teach us about embracing winter. The Danish word HYGGE (pronounced “hoo-ga”) has recently become a buzz word for all things cozy and comforting.

The word is hard to translate literally, but it speaks of coziness, contentment and well-being. A sense that life is good, and meant to be enjoyed.

Normally at this time we are actively writing down our New Year’s Resolutions and goals…..the usual “lose 10lbs, eat better, stop drinking alcohol or caffeine”…. (all very noble) and I have ALWAYS been super gung-ho on writing down ALL the things I planned to get accomplished for the year. And then the lesson of 2020 taught us that we cannot  always force things to happen when WE want them to. 

Yes, we need to have goals and inspiration for the things we want to achieve, but putting too much pressure to get them off the ground in the winter especially, goes against the natural rhythms of life.

At a time when we’re compelled to make new year’s resolutions and get moving on those goals, the season beckons us to consider very different ways of being.  This is the time of stillness, silence, and patience.….AND HYGEE

I am conscious about living my life in accordance to the energy of the seasons (which is why I adore creating the “Embrace the Seasons Workshops).

Too many people try to live their lives in constant “high-outward-summer-energy-mode” which inevitably leads to burnout, irritability and illness.

I AM saying to 100% write out your goals for the New Year! It’s absolutely fine to set your goals and work towards them, BUT if we do at the exclusion of allowing ourselves proper rest this season, we lose the opportunity to renew our energy.

Here are some ways to bring HYGGE energy into your life over the winter months.  Let’s welcome January with all the gifts winter offers and ENJOY this time.