Winter Rituals & Seasonal Devotion
The solstice is right in front of us. On Wednesday, December 21st, in the northern hemisphere, we will move into the winter season and begin transitioning towards Kapha time of year. As the days have been becoming shorter and darker, it is a wonderful time to slow down and nourish your mind and body.
However, December usually has different ideas for most of us. Our shortened days are packed with things to do, places to be, and people to see. Oh my. All this movement can increase Vata.
The added dryness of cold weather could further lead to depletion. It is always important to have nourishing rituals in place but especially important when we are being stretched.
Depending on where and how you live, your practice will look different though the year. Awareness of the whole environment surrounding you and your constitution will guide your mission to stay embodied, present, clear, and balanced. Otherwise known as a sattvic state.
If you notice that you are feeling cold deep to your bones, frazzled, extra dry, and ungrounded, it will be time to have a nice, scalded milk (or mylk) with a touch of cinnamon and cardamom.
Consider not attending every event that you are invited to. Stay home instead and give yourself a restorative abhyanga massage with sesame oil or Vata oil. If you feel particularly overextended, try a blend of Brahmi, sesame, and bhringraj oils. Covering yourself with nourishing warm oil is a great way to calm the nervous system and find your center.
Maybe you are the type who loves life in the cooler weather. You feel your internal heat is receiving a duly needed reprieve. The cooler weather may make you want to get even more done. It is important to remember that your worth is not related to your productivity. This can be a common thought process for the fiery types. It is still essential to maintain daily devotional rituals. Don’t become too intense or take too much on. Create some space in your calendar for some relaxation and contemplation.
As we move into the citrus season, if you carry more fire, be mindful about how much citrus you are consuming. It shows up everywhere, and it is always delicious. For some, the sourness may lead to acid reflux, heartburn, discontentment, and irritability.
This is typically a good time of year for those with a pitta constitution. If your digestion is feeling stronger, don’t get too carried away. It is still advised to avoid excess spice, sour, salty, or fried foods.
Feeling lethargic and sluggish? Hard to get out of bed when it is cold? You will want to add a practice of dry brushing, known as garshana. This wakes up the lymphatic system. Add sipping on a warm tea of digestive-stimulating spices such as black pepper, dried ginger, and clove.
Mind your mucus with extra neti pot use. For some, daily might be good during this season. It is recommended for all constitutions to lubricate their nostrils with Nasya oil.
Holiday sweets are abundant during this time of year, as are large festive meals. Be mindful to read the cues your body is sending you when you are full. Here is an article that I wrote about eating mindfully for Banyan Botanicals.
Lastly, as we are nearing the shortest day of the year, it is a great time to consider adjusting your sleep schedule to be more in line with nature. Begin by rising each morning with or slightly before sunrise. If possible, position yourself to watch the sunrise for a few moments. If you are not already up before sunrise this is a beautiful way to begin without it feeling like a shock to the system. Your mind and body with thank you for adopting this practice.
Blessings to you all during this transition from dark to light into the new year. May your practices of self-care allow you to shine brightly. May you be abundant and blissful in 2023. Thank you for all your support and love this year.