Oh no – winter! For some of us, YIKES! It's cold! But when I think of winter, I secretly curve my lips up in a slow smile and my eyes get soft and dreamy. I am that bear that likes to hibernate. I need my yin time and delight in the quiet of winter.  Whether the days are shorter, or the nights are longer – it comes at a time when Mother Nature just beckons the stillness within us after a long busy summer and transitional harvest time. Now it is time to harvest your thoughts and rebalance.

I seek the stillness that rebalances both my body and mind. My eyes can gaze at a cozy fireplace, or at the snowflakes dancing down to meet the sparkly white carpet covering the ground and trees. I can close my eyes as I sip hot chocolate or tea. In a deep cleansing breath I can feel as cozy is my little puppy girl looks all curled up by the fire. I can choose to relax early in the evening as the day darkens and calls me to sit. Whether it is cleaning out a closet, extra reading time, a quiet night catching up with a friend, or taking time to visit an elderly neighbor or help a busy mom, be sure to keep a balance with your current daily demands.

This really isn't something that you "treat yourself with, " but it should be a rather essential part of honoring the seasonal cycle that Mother Nature instinctively provides.