I find these weeks leading up to the Solstice to be a period for slowing down, unlike any other during the year. Nature is buttoning up and slackening her pace. I take my signal from her.
The shorter days reduce my energy. The cold draws me indoors, close to the wood stove. I’m cooking soups and stews, baking pies, knitting, practicing what the Danes call “hygge,” and what some might call cozy nesting.
Does this idea of slowing down appeal to you? As we approach the season of holiday madness, it is still possible to shift into a pace that mirrors nature and supports your well-being. Here are three things to try:
1/ Bring nature closer
Find an object to bring inside, a stone, a feather, a pod. Place it where you’ll see it every day. I like to have something close to me that will slowly change over time, like a butterfly weed pod or a piece of dried plant.
Spend a minute looking at the sunrise or sunset. Many mornings, a canine’s wet nose pulls me out of bed, so I am outside to witness the morning sky emerge with its subtle colors. The sunrises can be quietly spectacular, yet quick to disappear, sometimes in a minute or two.
Take in the night sky. Sometimes it’s cloudy and bright; sometimes dark and secret. The moon, the stars, the velvet sky pricked by diamonds, it’s all ours for the watching.
2/ Indulge in rest
Lengthen your sleep time. Go to bed 15 minutes early; stay in bed 15 minutes longer. Slowly lengthen that to a half-hour on each end. This time of year it’s natural to need more sleep.
Take a nap for 15 minutes. I set a timer on my phone, then read until my eyes close. A short rest can be surprisingly rejuvenating.
Take a midweek wind-down. Once a week, take a bath or long hot shower. Crawl under those covers and surrender to the sandman. We do this on Wednesday nights and call it our mid-week wind-down. It fortifies us for the rest of the week.
3/ Slow down your pace
Do one thing at a time and complete it, even small tasks.
Slow down your physical walking. We rush through our lives, and our bodies valiantly work to keep up. When you feel yourself hurrying, take a breath and ease your pace. It doesn’t have to be at turtle pace but think leisurely, more like a cat.
Find a moment of joy in each day. There is always at least one. Notice it, make a mental note, and before you go to bed, savor it. Some like to write it down in a bedside journal.