13/01/2026
Lets choose common sense and self compassion - simply because it is January.
When were common sense or compassion ever not relevant? - two fundamental qualities needed in the world and apppreciated by each of us.
Our workplaces often demand or imply that we should be starting the year with a "cracking on" energy, full of goals and visible results. Personally, we may also be caught up in inner pressures around "new year, new start", such as strict eating or demanding exercise regimes or setting resolutions for 2026.
It's counter intuitive for this time of year and that's why those pressures or expectations feel so hard.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the heart of Winter. Above ground, things look dormant, still, even unproductive. But actually nature and the earth are doing essential work. They are resting, pausing and taking a break from growing, producing, extending....
Without winters quiet season, the vibrant growth of spring would be impossible. So why do we expect ourselves to be in a state of perpetual progress and growth?
Especially when it feels hard, 'wrong' or even exhausting right now. Lets listen to our inner wisdom and adjust accordingly.
Instead of prioritising the external pressures to show visible progress, success or high activity, lets honour our inner needs of a steadier, quieter period, in alignment with winter and what our human mammalian bodies need.
There is profound value in non-striving. Winter invites, even demands us to ease our foot off the accelerator of attaining and respect ourselves with more grounded, compassionate, slower day to day living for a few weeks. It's a temporary gear change.
It enables us to recharge and to return reenergised, at the right time.
It's far more effective than limping on perpetually tired or weary.
It's sensible, realistic and compassionate
The Wisdom of Winter;
❄️ Reminding our body and brain of a gentle pace is important. It supports our parasympathetic nervous systems and enables our bodies to be in a regulated state which is essential for good health.
❄️ Respecting our energy instead of pushing through a low-energy season with unrealistic expectations is a recipe for burnout.
❄️ Honouring our need for a slower pace is a sign of high emotional intelligence and long-term resilience.
Let’s give ourselves permission to trust the wisdom, importance and value of winter and choose a slower pace that prioritises day to day simple routines and basics, with plenty of rest, warmth, good food and ease.
The sun and Spring energy are coming.
Lets be ready to meet them, rested and refocused 🌞 🌱 after a period of restful wintering.
