Invitation to Hibernation
As we have (abruptly… geez) moved into winter time and the earth has shifted a bit, so have our bodies as we adapt to a bit of a different environment. It is darker, colder, and a bit more quiet (especially here in the PNW). This is a good time to follow nature and go into hibernation, go internal. From our mental to physical wellness, there are many ways we can support our being during this time and can look very different depending on who you are.
At this time, I am allowing myself to go into hibernation and I invite you to also move into this space of sweet, sweet hibernation. I am allowing for more time to sleep, recognizing when it starts getting dark outside my being wants to rest, using my happy lamp (it’s fantastic) in the mornings and even throughout the day for a little boost, choosing more warm beverages and foods, and just taking it slow and being gentle overall.
There is a lot of talk out there about it being a new year being a time to go a bit harder… I invite you to explore what feel supportive to YOU 🖤.. not what social media and our society is putting out. Everyone can look a bit different and that is totally ok. What matters is if you feel good in your being and supported.
Some ways to support our beings during this time:
Movement: When we move our bodies, we can get all the qi and blood circulating, thus nourishing our bodies. In winter, maybe consider having a little bit more slow and gentle ways to move the body. Slow flow yoga, yin yoga, qi gong, gentle body weight, gentle walks, giving yourself a bit more grace.
Food: Sooo important always, however during this time we can add more warm foods that are easy to digest. A favorite of mine during this time is Congee! I will be posting a video and recipe on IG soon so keep your eyes peeled (:
Fire Cider: Something super fun to make and awesome for supporting out immune systems during Winter months. There are so many recipes and variations out there. (I used: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/fire-cider)
Happy lamp: I absolutely love my happy lamp, I try to use it every morning before I get out of bed to start regulating cortisol and melatonin levels. It has been very supportive for bringing a bit more ease into my mornings. I love turning it on and meditating/breathing in bed before getting and starting my day. (I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08M917RHB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Meditation: Meditation can be anything, this does not mean you must sit silently. This is an invitation to take some time to go internal in your own way. This can be engaging in some kind of art or craft, taking a walk, listening to a guided meditation, moving through a yoga flow, whatever calls to you and allows you to be preset with your being!
Nourishing the Kidneys: In Chinese medicine, winter season is related to the Kidneys. The kidneys are associated with water, the color black, and the emotion of fear. The kidneys hold our essence and do so much for our beings. To nourish and love on our Kidneys we can eat black foods (black beans, black rice, black sesame seeds, etc.), make sure to nourish our bodies with fluids (neutral to warm fluids), and inviting our beings to let go of fear in the body. Some rad yoga poses that focus on the Kidney/Kidney channels include butterfly pose, child’s pose, and sphinx.
Simple Ease: Thinking about simple ways we can set ourselves up for hibernation. Maybe thats setting up a super cozy space while you get some work/school work done or taking 5 minutes to breathe/listen to a guided meditation. Anything that brings in more ease!
Enjoy hibernation!
