We all know that winter is a natural time for cosy blankets, warm drinks, and lighting fires to gather around. These practices nurture our wellbeing; we do them to survive.
But the darkness isn’t just something that challenges us to act upon. It is necessary, part of our annual cycle, and if we surrender to it and embrace it, it will support us on all levels—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is an opportunity for us to retreat and to focus on inner healing.
In a world bombarded by notifications where the distraction from our own self-awareness is strong, to intentionally connect inward is an ultimate act of self-care. Staying present in the moment and within our bodies is when deep positive shifts occur.
Breathwork and nature are incredible tools for this. We can set the foundations for the year ahead by grounding and connecting to our core values, while restoring and feeding ourselves with love. We can release old stories from deep within our past, letting go of heavy baggage that is weighing us down. This process is transformational; it releases anxieties, increases our capacity for self-love, gives us clarity, and helps us set boundaries.
You can lean into this yourself simply by practising a breathwork exercise for just 5 minutes, three times a week. Or get dressed in warm layers, take a hot flask, and step out into nature. Feel into your senses. What do you notice that inspires you or can support you?
This winter, I will be holding conscious connected breathwork sessions—a profound way to connect with yourself and gift yourself whatever it is that your body is deeply calling for. Your breath is intuitive; it will find where the healing needs to happen. Maybe it is simply about being in the presence of others and feeling connected.
