 In the fallow times of winter, the garden lay idle, the air brisk. The surface offers stark reflection and quiet. Though below, the compost integrates into the soil. The wrigglers and the crawlers hibernate, or dig down deep, insulated from the cold, continuing to work their magic. During this time of yin, the ground has time to digest the previous season, and rest, hopefully to be replenished and renewed for the spring.
I am giving myself extra permission to lean into these dormant times this revolution of the sun. After sudden loss in my family this fall, I'm choosing to be gentle with myself this year. The Universe gave me a nudge to put my group Reiki classes on hold for the time being so I have time and space to let the reality settle, to grieve, but also to dream. I feel comfort and more room to breathe knowing that I don't have to do all the things right now. That it is enough to enjoy the therapeutic space of one-on-one work with clients, and know that when I am ready to return to teaching, I'll be refreshed and with my soil reworked. In the meantime, I have some guided meditations that are incubating, and hopefully will be ready to share later this year. I sense shifting focus to these meditations will not only feel restorative for me in the making, but also, hopefully, feel supportive for you when you all are able to enjoy them. While we wait for those, did you know there is a opportunity to join me once a month for a live guided meditation on Zoom? Learn more, and sign up here. Our next meditation is this Thursday Jan 26th from 5:30-6:30pm CST. Recordings go out after if you can't join us live. Are you embracing this fallow time, or would you like to? Let us know how in the comments. With care, Sarah
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Embracing the darkest time of the year.  Photo by Thomas Harding Here we are... we have entered the darkest, coldest months of the year. I will admit, this is one of my favorite times. Perhaps, it's because I'm part Norwegian, or that I'm a bit crazy. ;) But as I look out the window, I feel embraced by a blanket of clouds, and imagine nature is saying, "Dear one, rest with us, daydream with us, relish the quiet. Replenish your reserves. Soon we will be exuberantly moving again, but, for now, rest."
For many, perhaps you, I know this time of year can be trying. Especially if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or, frankly, don't enjoy the snow, and cold. This may be a time that you hope to get through as soon as possible. I get it. We are all wired differently. No matter what your feelings are about fall and winter, I invite you to explore with me how we can make the most of it. Imagine what is instinctive for us to do (or not do) this time of year. What knowing is carried within your bones, and tissues? Knowing passed down from your ancestors, who at some point were living closely with the land. The instincts of the human animal within you. Outside of the pressures, and expectations of our culture, what feels natural for you this time of the year? Though we live in a culture with electricity, and technology that is ever-changing and grasping for our attention, our instinctual roots run deep. We often are so distracted by the buzz of modern society that we forget that these roots inform so much of who and what we are. How can you honor the shift that is natural for us to make this time of year? Perhaps you may remove some things from your to do list so you allow more time for rest and sleep. You may replace certain activities with more contemplative ones like meditation, or journaling. Meaningful community connections may draw you, much like the hearth fire and stories our ancestors would share helped them remain tightly knit and nourished during the winter months. Cherished daylight hours may beckon you out for movement to balance the dark. No matter what you choose to include, surrender, or shift this season, I encourage you to contemplate what will nourish you, help you integrate the past year, and support you in feeling full and ready to face our next season of activity that will come in the spring and summer. I'd love to hear what insights come forth, and any shifts you decide to make this season. Feel free to comment below. Warmly, Sarah P.S. Does receiving healing and energetic support fit into how you would like to be nourished this winter? Email, or book online. |
Sarah Barlow
Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Embrace Your Essence Sign up for our E-Letters Here
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