12/21/2023
Happy winter solstice/ first day of winter! I frequently hear people talking about how tired and run down they feel this time of year. I feel it too. That doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with us though. Most often, it is our bodies telling us to slow down.
The following was written by Sara Calabro (licensed acupuncturist and founder of Element Coaching).
Let yourself have a winter
The winter season officially starts this week, with the solstice on Thursday, December 21.
In nature, winter is a time of quiet and stillness. The days are short, plants go dormant, animals hibernate, and snow lays a blanket over the earth. The message is clear: It’s time to rest.
And yet.
For many of us, these holiday weeks are anything but restful. They are chaotic, social, and often stressful. They lead into the new year, which can feel loaded with pressure to be productive, execute on resolutions, and make this your best year ever!
Woah.
Watch how nature does it
Human beings are reflections of the natural world that surrounds us. We are part of the same ecosystem. As such, the qualities of a particular season should be reflected in all parts of that ecosystem.
Nature provides us with a beautiful blueprint for how to be in winter. Slow down. Get quiet. Reflect. This is how to recharge for all the activity and possibilities that emerge in spring.
Think about a seedling trying to bust through some January soil. Every time it tries, it hits a patch of ice and falls back down. If that seedling keeps it up, what are the chances of it blossoming come spring?
Similarly, when we don’t embrace rest-and-recharge energy this time of year and instead just keep barreling forward, we end up exhausted and overwhelmed.
Check your fear response
If you don't follow nature's message to chill in winter, you may also notice some increased feelings of fear and mistrust.
In Five Element acupuncture, each season is associated with a natural element and an emotion. The element of winter is Water and the emotion of winter is fear.
When your Water element is in balance, you experience a healthy level of fear. If you see a reindeer running toward you and your family, it’s normal to feel a little scared.
However, when your Water element tips out of balance, inappropriate or excessive fear can surface. The unknown, and particularly the idea of speaking your truth without knowing how it will land, can become especially scary.
If you notice yourself feeling extra fearful, it may be a sign that your Water element is out of balance.
Ask yourself these questions
Self-inquiry is a powerful antidote to fear. This may feel counterintuitive but when we ask ourselves intentional, open-ended questions, it forces us out of fight-or-flight mode and reminds us of our ability to cope with anything life throws our way.
Here are some questions to help you get more connected with your Water element this winter:
What is your biggest fear? Why does it scare you?
Who do you trust in your life? Why do you trust them?
Who in your life do you not trust? Why don’t you trust them?
What gives you energy?
What drains your energy?
What makes you feel overwhelmed?
How can you be more comfortable not knowing what the future holds?
Try journaling on these questions. Meditate on your responses. Take a nap and dream about them. Find a coach who can help you navigate whatever comes up.
Winter is your time to reflect without an agenda. It’s a literal "wonder"land! It’s a gift. Let yourself have it. ❄️
Sara Calabro, Founder of Element Coaching
