Winter Nourishment

Dear Community,

Happy Winter! We are again nearing the longest night of the year and the slow return of the light. The wheel of the year keeps on turning.....

I am deeply grateful for this year. I am thrilled to have a business that for me marries spirit and matter. Thank you for touching my heart and being a part of it! 

Winter is the time of longing where we are invited to go inside and make room for the depths. To make room for deep feelings and a nameless longing that tugs our heartstrings. We are invited to let this longing emerge and if we are rebellious enough ~ to let it linger. If we let the longing gestate it can collage our deepest hopes before our mind's eye. Contrary to culture - for me this is not time for making resolutions and figuring it all out....it is time to let the longing boil and bubble. If we let it simmer, come spring we will have a hearty broth. Then, as we see the first shoots rising ~ intentions can be molded and formed. But for now let's snuggle up and have tea with the longing. Take refuge in story and in eternal time. Let the song of winter soothe your old bones and rest dear friend....rest. Even if we hustle and bustle ~ let's sip our tea, take one deep breath, drink in moments of solitude and say no to just one thing.....

What song does your longing sing?

THE THREE R'S

Rest ~ breathe, say no, sip tea, take baths, enjoy movies, books, audiobooks and poems. Ask yourself, what would be easy? What would I do if I was prioritizing my own well being above obligation?

Reflection ~ without judgement, giving yourself time to let memories, thoughts and unanswerable questions bubble up into consciousness. Consider, what are some well memories from this year? These are memories where you felt strong, alive or connected. Journal if you feel like it or write a letter to someone special.

Ritual ~ engaging in easy rituals to ground and resource. Light a candle or take an herbal bath. Try making a simple alter at home that sings to you about what you hold dear. Watch a movie that is special to you from childhood. Draw one tarot card in the morning while you sip your tea or coffee.

I added two of my own....

Resource ~ resource yourself in every way possible. Have your favorite foods handy, make a big pot of ginger tea, get plenty of rest. Spend time with the elements ~ water ~ earth ~ fire ~ air. Look at the word re-SOURCE. Connect with your personal sense of SOURCE. Steep in this source.

Recovery ~ If you are in recovery from addiction, codependence, disordered eating, depression, anxiety trauma, sex and love addiction, work addiction (we are all in there somewhere :) then make your recovery a top priority. Attend your meetings, connect with your mentors and fellows, maximize time spent in supportive environments and minimize or eliminate triggering people, places or things. Nothing is more important that your recovery.

FAVORITE DECEMBER BOOKS

The Holy Wild: A Heathen Bible for the Untamed Woman by Danielle Dulsky

Winter Hours by Mary Oliver

Anam Cara A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'donahue

The Mist Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers and Seekers By Frank MacEowen

DECEMBER TAROT CARD:

2 OF CUPS

Soul relationship. The exchange of emotion through communication. The willingness to share and the skill of receptivity. The marriage of complementary elements creates healing and alchemy. The marriage of two creates something new. Did you know that alchemical stoves had over 40 compartments in which all manner of substance and combinations could be boiled and bubbled at various heats. Something always cooking, transforming, in a state of flux - just like us - just like any relationship. The marriage of spirit and matter as represented by the alchemical lion with wings. This card may point to the soul connections in your life but most deeply, the two of cups speaks to us about the relationship we have with ourselves. The Self is where the union of opposites takes place and where the journey from dualistic to wholesome is taken. As we embrace and explore all parts of ourselves we perform our own internal alchemy and distill the gold of our own wholeness.

As you navigate this season I invite you to hold your relationship with yourself as sacred. Take time for yourself and let the waters of communication flow within ~ through simple rituals ~ journaling, a few moments of painting, lighting a candle, sipping tea mindfully......