winter solstice - the return of the light

I am writing this as we celebrate the Winter Solstice, with today marking the time when yin energy (the darkness) reaches it’s peak and tips over towards the light (yang energy) so it can start to slowly grow again as we head towards a fresh new year.

As this old year is winding down, it is natural to feel pulled in lots of directions, finishing up work for the festive season, making Christmas special and juggling everything else in between. But the Wintertime is a gift as it offers us the well deserved opportunity to slow down, rest, and reflect by embracing the darker nights and a slower pace, enabling us to focus on what truly matters and also allowing us the time to recharge and build up our reserves for the Spring and the year to come.

It is the Kidney and Bladder energy that pertains to the Winter season in Chinese Medicine - the Kidneys can be thought of as being similar to “your batteries” they represent your deep reserves and longevity, so ideally should be used sparingly. Overwork, illness, burning the candle at both ends and stress are some of the things that can deplete this energy, so working with the Wintertime gives us a window to recharge, nourish and strengthen this.

Winter hibernation can take lots of different forms or can even just mean taking the time to weave some restorative practices into your day to balance the ‘busyness’ of this time of year - These could include

• meditation

• restorative yoga

• going to bed early

• relaxing at home with cosy socks and cups of tea

• setting boundaries so you don’t over commit to protect your energy.

The return of the light at the Winter Solstice is only just the beginning, there is still plenty of time to embrace the slower pace. Winter offers a time of planning for the coming year rather than doing, and now with the twinkling return of the light provides the promise of renewal and a hint of the fresh start to come.