“In the depth of
winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
-Albert Camus
One true fact: We all
deal with the changing seasons differently. As it stands true with life’s
challenges and changes, ups and downs, and ebb and flow, people have very
unique and important ways in which they meet the changing of the seasons.
As we leave summer behind and replace the warm weather with cooler and more
‘biting air’, I become fascinated with the approaches that each one of us has
toward this change. Perhaps merely reading this article creates some
angst for you as we delve more deeply into fall and the beginning of
winter. At the same time, others may be ecstatic knowing that they get to
pull the sweater out of the closet and enjoy warming drinks, rich and filling
foods, and more time indoors. I wonder though, how can this become a
season of understanding ourselves more deeply? What things can we
integrate into out lives to make the darker and colder seasons more
inviting? By witnessing natural landscape changes outdoors we find many
clues to the changing landscape within us. Perhaps with some noticing and
a little motivation for self-care, we can begin to harmonize with the cooler
seasonal change, as we say goodbye to the golden light of summer, and go
inward.
This is a great time
of the year to harvest all that was accomplished in the past five months.
No matter what your experience has been, allow yourself a chance for a deep
breath and gratitude for arriving to your life today. And look back on
the accomplishments made. Perhaps for you, summer was fraught with challenge,
change, and some discomforts. Now is a great time to allow yourself some
time each day for quiet reflection. Consider journaling, working with
collage, drawing, or whatever you choose. Proceed without judgment, like
nobody’s watching- this is your time. It could be that your experience
during the summer was one with many positive changes, a lot of time outdoors,
late nights, and high energy. Again, reflecting on all that has taken
shape in the ‘lively’ months of spring and summer, and reaping the benefits of
what life has delivered, can go a long way. Winter can be your wind down
period that allows for restoration.
Just like the falling
leaves, our energy too can be downward and inward-moving as we transition into
fall and winter. And as we near Halloween, a holiday ripe with ghosts,
goblins, and skeletons, I ponder the possible connection to our inner
life. Let this be a time to honor the letting go or passing of choices
that might no longer serve us, or take a closer look at relationships that feel
non-sustainable. Further, give yourself freedom to share gratitude for
the ones who have had positive impacts on our lives.
Perhaps you have heard
the Yogi Bajan quote “When you don’t go within, you go without.” This is
a wonderful quote to exemplify the quiet inward drawing effects of the winter
season, and the nourishing benefits of withdrawing our senses from the outer
world to gaze within. Challenging though it may be, the colder and darker
months reflect to us, that in order to be born anew we must go within.
Inner stillness and nonjudgmental self-observation empowers us to become
available to new ways of being and maybe even open to the parts of ourselves
that remain unseen in our shadow. Be it in stillness, self-reflection, or
support from others, we might find there some reverence and light. By that
inner light, we may gaze at the things in life that have held us back, noticing
what is working and what isn't, and integrating more of what makes our hearts
sing into our lives.
Here are a couple
things you can begin to do right now!!
1. Allow yourself 5
minutes (go for more if you can!) of deep belly breathing. By placing
your hand on your belly, inhale through your nose and exhale through your
nose. This will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and allow the
body to relax and restore. If your mind is wandering (that is normal!)
bring your attention back to your breath or the rising of your belly into your
hand.
2. Self Expression –
This is totally up to you! Maybe the way you want to express yourself is
by cooking a warming soup for yourself or the meaningful people in your
life. If journaling is your thing, (or something that you want to make
your thing) allow yourself some free-write sessions where you can release
whatever has been on your mind. What expands you? What
contracts you? Making art, moving your body, and enjoying your time can
be very rewarding at this time of year.
3. Cleaning out
closets, pantries, drawers, etc. It may sound funny, but again, this is a
great time of the year to ‘go within’ and the nook and cranny parts of our
house can be symbolic of the aspects of ourselves that could use some tending
to. It is possible that by cleaning and clearing unwanted clutter might
make some space within your inner world!
Remember, there is no
right or wrong way to experience anything. There is only your way.
Be gentle on yourself, listen to your needs, and move forward in the changing
seasons in whatever way feels best to you. Please stay tuned next month
when we delve into some ways to use food as medicine, learn about helpful cold
& flu winter remedies and ways to beat the winter blues!
John Muraco is an art
therapist and holistic health counselor at The Resiliency Center located in
Flourtown. For more information about John or to schedule a free
consultation please go to heartwellhouse.com or
reach him by phone at 315-329-9838.
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