4 Tips for More Energy This Winter

We find ourselves amidst winter's embrace, the light subtly returning as we transition from Imbolc in the Wheel of the Year. The promise of spring whispers through the bursts of sunshine, yet it's crucial to honor the season's stillness. In this moment of transition, let's release the external pressures urging constant activity and embrace the profound art of BEING, recognizing it as the most loving and essential aspect of life in winter.

The organs requiring our continued attention and love are the kidneys and adrenals, as emphasized by Traditional Chinese Medicine. These vital energy centers, particularly significant for women, play a pivotal role in our overall wellbeing. Addressing their needs not only replenishes our energy but also has a profound impact on digestion, sleep, and hormonal balance.

Vibrant Nutrition for Winter: In the realm of Vibrant Nutrition, the quality of our food becomes paramount. Toxins in our environment and food sources stress our bodies, depleting our organs and hindering our ability to thrive. As we navigate the remaining weeks of winter, focus on choosing foods grown without pesticides and toxic chemicals. Embrace winter squashes, cabbage, sauerkraut, sprouts, microgreens, bitter foods, and herbs. Incorporate miso, sea veggies, parsley, rose hips, lemons, liver, offal, and bone marrow. 

Mindful Movement in Winter: In the arena of Mindful Movement, consider the art of gentle yoga, restorative poses, and Tai Chi. These practices harmonize with winter's energy, encouraging relaxation and supporting the body's natural rejuvenation. Whether through indoor workouts or mindful walks in nature, adapt movement practices to honor the serene essence of winter. One of my favorite movement practices at this time of year especially is to play my current favorite music and dance away the stresses of the day, clearing my body and mind for a restful night's sleep. 

Sacred Lifestyle in Winter: A Sacred Lifestyle during winter involves stress management, sauna sessions or warm baths, moments of doing nothing, and balanced living. Prioritize sufficient rest and sleep, recognizing the season's invitation to indulge in at least eight hours of rejuvenating sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, engage in calming bedtime routines, and create a comfortable sleep environment to honor the restoration of both adrenals and kidneys. One key habit to support this is to turn off all devices one hour before bed and turn your internet/wifi off while you're sleeping. 

Divine Connection: As we nurture our kidneys and adrenals, Divine Connection permeates every pillar. Beyond the physical, this holistic journey intertwines with spiritual practices. The simple yet profound oil "light" ritual becomes a symbol of this connection, fostering a harmonious environment within and acknowledging the interconnectedness of our vital systems. 

Pour a bit of olive oil into a seashell or similar vessel, use cotton twine as a “wick” and light it instead of a candle (or you can use a soy or beeswax candle). Get comfortable, setting the flame at eye level about 2 ft away. Look at the candle and allow it to be the main focus of your mind. As you gaze at the candle, breathe. Observe the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation. Eventually, your thoughts will slow, and then fade altogether and you will be left with only awareness of the flame. Your eyes are likely to water after some time but this is normal. If you blink or get distracted, just return your attention to the flame.

Finish by closing your eyes. An image of the candle’s flame may appear in your mind’s eye. Try to direct this image at your third eye chakra (the point between your eyebrows). When the image fades, open your eyes again and repeat the process. Allow your eyes to rest for a while once you’ve finished your meditation (avoid looking at screens).

It's okay to slow down at times (winter) to support us to go faster in the future (spring)! By aligning our habits with the themes associated with the New Moon, Crone, Menstrual phase, and TCM principles during winter, we not only enhance kidney/adrenal health but also cultivate a deeper connection with the natural rhythms of life - living cyclically. Here's to embracing the wisdom of the season and nurturing our inner wellspring.

Love n Blessings,

~j

Photo by: Chelsea Ellis Photography

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