It is soon deep winter in the Northern hemisphere on Earth. The days hasten to darkness as the sun drops over the horizon earlier until the Winter Solstice on December 21.
Dropping in
The darkness beckons us to go inward and be with our inner life, our dream life. Much richness can be found there. Sit back and listen. Without any outward sound. Simply listen. To what the body must share, the mind must share. Being present with all of this adds depth and dimension into our lives. An awareness of what might need attention or simply some tender loving care. Journal, draw, engage in gentle movement to honor yourself and your body. Slowing down now is loving kindness to yourself. Simply be.
To support your practice of selfcare, I have just launched my first workbook, 6-Week Integrative Self-care Journal for Women on Amazon. Consider as a gift for yourself and your friend and start a challenge in the New Year together!
An intense year
This year has been intense for all the people in my life, including myself. Finding time to reflect as I write this today, I am grateful for many parts of my life. Connections have deepened due to crises, yet other connections have drifted as I keep making deep changes within myself. Being in a place of truth within my being matters more. I find time to write and reflect more. Each morning, my meditation practice has been an anchor in my life as I start my morning with it. My qi gong practice has deepened my grounded presence.
From a place of compassion for myself as I do so, I continue to set boundaries that support my wellbeing, not pleasing others around me in a way that may feel less than authentic for me. This can lead to discomfort at first, yet I find it ever so freeing. As a good friend shared with me, “no” is a complete sentence when I am asked to participate in an activity that I prefer not to. NO explanation is needed. Boundaries are a funny thing; only you can set them for yourself and only you can maintain them.
The Power of Rest in Winter
The importance of rest this time of year is recognized in most traditions, including Ayurveda. This includes being sensitive to the rhythms of the day and the increased cycle of darkness. Being in bed earlier to have those 4 full cycles of sleep is ever so rewarding as our dream life is so much richer and the deeper cleaning the brain needs is now possible when we give ourselves the gift of sleeping enough.
In Ayurveda, sleep is seen as an important pillar of health, which is good for all the doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Modern science is recognizing this as well. I am sure most of us are aware of the power of sleep but the many distractions in our lives can prevent the natural rhythms to be honored. It is good to remember that key restoration of the brain and body happen during sleep.
Being in bed between 10 and 11 pm takes advantage of the natural slowing down of the body and brain so more deep rest is possible. Repair and rejuvenation happen which is part of the wisdom of our innate nature that we need to truly listen to so to enhance our level of resilience during these stressful times.
Healthy hot drink before bed: Golden milk recipe is 4-6 oz of milk of your choice oz plus a mixture of turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon. It is a perfect way to induce a natural sleep state. Many of us know that warm milk helps us to sleep. In Ayurveda, this recipe with turmeric and warming spices adds a special treat for this time of year. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory benefit as you sleep.
Golden Milk recipe:
- 10 min prep time. Enough for 2 servings.
- Milk of your choice (A2 milk, coconut or nut milk) 2 cups
- Turmeric 1 tspn
- Black pepper 1/8 or less tspn (to taste)
- Cinnamon ¼ tspn
- Other spices to add to taste: ½ tspn of cardamon and /or vanilla
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup to taste
Add all the ingredients in a saucepan then cook at low heat to a simmer. 6-12 min.
Be well and present this holiday season,
Dr Judith
