Embracing the Darkest Time of the Year: How to Surrender to the Fertile Void of Winter
How do you feel about winter? I used to fear it. By the beginning of September I would feel dread seeping though me as I began a reluctant farewell to the long summer evenings. In crept the cold winds, the darker afternoons and layers upon layers of clothing upon which I grumped under longing for an escape to something beyond this haggard season. And yet, just a couple of years later, here I am embracing winter. Dare I say it, I think I love winter.
So how did I make this transformation? As I began my healing journey with sound, I experienced communities who loved nature in all its forms and who found the medicine in her offerings season upon season. I feel blessed to be on this journey, gradually being guided back to nature. I now see Mother Earth as my teacher, a source of medicine and joy. She holds me, provides for me and nurtures me. I welcome her whispers, season upon season, inviting me to surrender to her cycles. Rather than resist, I accept my human need to winter, to fall into sync with this potent season. So it is, I enter the darkness - this fertile void that offers rest, regeneration and reflection and where I am rewarded with insights and ideas. I hope this post inspires you to find joy in wintering.
How to winter
While the days grow shorter and nights longer, the darkness invites us to slow down, turn inward, and connect with our inner selves. This period of quietude can be a powerful time for:
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on the past year, acknowledging your achievements and learning from your challenges.
Intention Setting: Set intentions for the coming year, envisioning the life you want to create.
Spiritual Renewal: Connect with your spirituality through meditation, prayer, or simply spending time in nature.
Practical Tips for Embracing the Dark
Winter Solstice Ritual:
Create a sacred, cosy space with candles. Allow full presence (no devices). Simply be in the stillness and silence. Gaze into the flame and be with what arises. Journal on your reflections such as any insights, gratitudes and desires.
Nature Connection:
Wrap up warm and get outside. Use all of your senses to connect to nature. Breathe in the crisp winter air. Notice the abundance of life that exists. What beauty can you see? Rain drops on the leaves, the silhouette of bare trees, stars, colourful berries, pink skies at dusk... Don’t forget to look up at the night sky and appreciate the beauty of the cosmos.
Cosy Nights In:
This is a wonderful season for rest and recuperation. Light a scented candle and enjoy a bubble bath, read a good book, invite a loved one over for a warm drink and a catch up, or get creative and spend time making something such as decorations, knitting or baking goods.
Self-Care:
Prioritise wellbeing with practices like gentle breathwork, yoga, pilates and intuitive movement which soothe mind and body. Cook nourishing foods. Journal on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Practice mindfulness and connect with your inner self.
Nourishing Your Body:
Cook with Seasonal Produce, using root vegetables, winter squash, and hearty grains. Sip on calming herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger. Ensure you prioritise rest to recharge your batteries and remember to bring movement into your day.
Connect with Others:
Maintain social connection. Connect with like-minded individuals through local groups or online communities. join a circle, go for a walk with loved ones, host an event at yours or volunteer by giving back to your community and spread some love.
I appreciate that winter may be challenging for some. Know that you are not alone. If you’re struggling make sure to ask for help. In The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, the horse says, “Asking for help isn’t giving up, it’s refusing to give up. As we move through the darkest days, remember that the light will return. By embracing the darkness, we can emerge stronger, more resilient, and more connected to ourselves and others.