I had planned a different blog post for today. Something around the elemental energies of fire, now that we’re in Sagittarius Season. As Winter fast approaches, we balance out the coldness with fire to warm our homes, our bodies and our imaginations.
As the days went by though, my week had different intentions. We lost our internet connection last week, which meant I had less time to research and write for blog posts. I was reminded of the essence of an enchanted winter; the cosiness and the slowness of the season. By night, I curled up with a good book instead of watching TV. I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was a much needed break from a normal routine.
Then, as the weekend drew to a close and the beginning of a new week began, when we finally had our internet back, life took another turn. My son and I both came down with the flu. When my son’s fever spiked, everything and anything that had been planned was put on hold. 24 hours later, my fever spiked and once again, everything was put on hold.
In the depths of this fever induced insomnia, I knew I needed rest. I needed to balance my own self-care with that of my son, with the support of my husband. My week has become very fluid in terms of planning- nothing other than rest is priority. I wasn’t even sure I would be able to sit and type a blog post for this week, but here I am, typing away. It wasn’t what I planned to write, but it is a message I feel is important for this time of year.
Balance During Season Shifts.
We’re in that midway point between Autumn and Winter. It’s cold outside- cold enough we’ve had snow and several bouts of frost. Christmas and Winter Solstice prep is underway, and my calendar is filled with activities and events for the next five weeks or so. I’m very much living task list to task list right now- checking off present lists, cards I need to buy, weekly shopping lists, decorating prep work for when our Christmas decorations go up, etc. It’s great for making sure everything is done, but I’d found that I hadn’t left enough space to make time for me and my family to relax as we shift from the energies of Autumn to the energies of Winter.
Autumn is all about preparing for the colder months, collecting our harvest, sharing our gratitude and letting go of what no longer serves us so we can make room for the new things we call into our lives come Spring. It’s reflected in nature and we see it everywhere- the animals preparing to hibernate, the trees letting go of their leaves, the plants conserving their energy in their root systems. It’s a fast paced energy, especially when we ride the energies of the heightened Summer that carry us through these months as they begin to cool. I’m one of those people who recognise how quickly it gets dark as we get towards the end of October, beginning of November (after the clocks go back) but I also recognise that its always a shock to my system because I’m still riding the higher energies of Summer. It’s my internal reminder that I need to be slowing down, preparing for hibernation and the colder months that are soon going to be here.
Winter is all about rest, restoration and stillness. It’s not a time for new projects, but indulging in my favourite pastimes or hobbies. Reading, writing, drinking hot chocolate. Cosy evenings beneath a blanket with a book, or a family movie. It’s a time to begin to plan for the next year, for dreaming with intention. I’m guilty every year of overbooking my calendar and then getting annoyed with myself when I become ill- this year is no exception. I’m a firm believer of the phrase “know when to take a break, or your body will do it for you” so this week has been about rest- for me and my family. Sleeping on the sofa in the early afternoon, curling up with a book (and finishing said book!) or finding a cosy festive film to watch with my 4 year old. Now that he is well enough to be back at school, I’m taking a few more days to continue to rest, before picking up another to-do list.
So, as the season shifts from Autumn to Winter, here is your reminder- it’s okay to slow down during the season of Winter. It’s absolutely okay to say no and to assert your boundaries when it comes to social events. If your productive energy for the day is making a cosy corner and watching a feel-good film, or picking up that book that’s been on your TBR pile for over a month- that is perfectly productive enough for Winter. Sit by candlelight and journal. Nourish yourself and your family on what makes you happy and healthy.