The Gifts of Winter

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will love the darkness because it shows me the stars." ~ Og Mandino

As winter blankets us with darkened skies, showers, and snow, I am reminded of how quickly time passes and that enjoying this season invites more peace, wonder, and coziness into my space. 

In that space of quiet darkness, there is a stillness, like winter, that clears the mind and centers us in the present moment.

"The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become" ~ Robert Holden

What helps you to become more present? What are some of the ways you can bring more of that into your life?

For me, it is the practice of yoga that keeps me coming back into the body, creating space for contemplation and the gift of moving from moment to moment as life unfolds.

We often move so quickly from season to season, perhaps missing the best thing about winter – the need to slow down and move at a slower pace, allowing the body and mind to rest and recover. Nature, our greatest teacher, is guiding us to recalibrate. 

While the darkness of winter lures us in mystery, let it be a welcome invitation to turn inward away from the cold and toward the light. With that, let's honor the mystery of winter and the strength it affirms, for as we grow stronger, we find presence with what each unfolding moment offers us by the very act of being fully and deeply present. 

WHAT I AM LOVING THIS SEASON:

For your home: The scented glow of Fable|Rune's Sicilian orange blossom soy candle for its earthy fragrance.

​For your bathroom: Fable|Rune's sea palm & cypress cleanser and luxurious lotion.

In the kitchen: Manukora Raw Manuka Honey from New Zealand has never tasted so good. Its rich, creamy caramel taste is delicious in tea and on toast, fruit and oats. It contains bioactive prebiotics not found in most honey.

In the fire: I am burning almond wood mixed with oak. It makes for an extra warm and lasting fire on these chilly nights.

What I'm reading: The book Living a Committed Life by Lynne Twist. I encourage you to start now if you haven't read anything by her. She is a visionary who lives by her beliefs and inspires others to do the same. I know you will be riveted by some of her stories. A small section of the intro from this book states, "When you are able to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs, then whatever comes at you in life can become a gift; it's all there to teach you, to empower you somehow. It's not that life's difficulties don't show up, but they show up in a way that you are served by them."​

Sending you the warmest of wishes!