Go Slower now

Winter approaches as the light creeps away. It may be common knowledge to us that things tend to move slower during this time of year. But our western civilization is steeped in the legacy burden of consumerism where production should never stop. Productivity need never falter, for even a moment. The magic of the female body is that you get reminded of these cycles continuously. No matter how much I’ve tried to shape myself into the square structure of sameness, my inner monthly cycle reminds me that I am changing every day. And then 32 days later it begins again. The seasons are but a larger version of our menstrual cycle. And one that has the power to affect all beings on the planet. It is the time where as a whole, we begin to shift from outer wonder into inner seeing.

Your exercising needs may change. At this time of year I tend to shift into walking daily instead of strength training. To give my body a break from the years work and building of muscle. It is the landing point in between two staircases. A place to take a big conscious breath. Just like a mercury retrograde but more physical, a more tangible re-set. One that is so literally and visibly affecting the natural world. Nature is reflecting and embodying that which we are called to do. To slowly start shedding and gathering our resources to begin again. But beginning again is not for right now. That comes later. So go slower now.

Let your belly get fuller. Layers make you warmer. Let the bed be your security. No matter the changes that wintering brings, it’s a reminder that life and its patterns may feel different than how it’s been for most of the year. And one can easily forget how natural this shift is. Embrace the shifts and remember this happens every year. So answer the call. Go inside. Light your candles. Have tea at night.

Allow the darkness and its teachings to bring about more light. Let your body rest in ways it hasn’t had permission to do so, throughout the whole night. Hear the inner song and feel the winds of change. Remember that life soon will never be the same. All things change. And so do you. Shed the old to bring forth the new.

Winters may be bitter. But it will all be ok once the cold is forgotten. Let old lovers come back or fall away. Let your heart be tended to each and every day. Reside in the heart. That is where your Self lives. Take two breaths to drop down and connect into the kingdom within.