It has been an amazing year here at Beth Reel Coaching. I am deeply grateful for every single one of you. This dream would not have come to fruition without the never ending support of my family, friends, teachers, and mentors. I am constantly amazed by the strength and bravery shown by my clients. I am honored that you have trusted me to help support you on your journey. Thank you!
As we enter into the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, remember that it is natural to slow down and hibernate a bit. It is what our cave dwelling and farming ancestors did. Hunting, gathering, and harvesting was finished and it was time to hunker down for the cold winter months. While most of us don’t live this way in modern times, it is still part of our instinctual behavior. Do you feel the pull to stay inside with a cup of tea and a warm blanket? While we have certainly learned that we can override this instinct, is this really serving us?
“What do I really need right now?”
I get it – life is busy! Who has time to slow down? However, ignoring this need day in and day out can leave us exhausted, drained, and miserable. Part of what we learn in mindfulness programs is to honor that need and listen to that craving. Ask, “What do I really need right now?” Recently, I was talking with a client who insisted that she did not have time to slow down. She was constantly running from one thing to the next. As a busy mom with three young kids, she couldn’t see any place in her schedule for down time. As we explored her fear of taking time for herself she realized that she had several days of sick, personal, and vacation time that she had not taken. She decided to take a day off from work later that week and vowed to use that time to nurture herself.
I also used to fight slowing down this time of year. I thought, “I’m so unproductive, why can’t I seem to get things done?” “Why do I want to sit on the couch or go to bed early?” “I’m such a sloth, what is wrong with me?” Last year I decided to roll with it. I cleared my January schedule as much as I possibly could of anything that was not completely necessary. I practiced saying “yes” to myself and “no” to others, and I used the time to sit, reflect, read, and write – or not. I lit candles, drank tea and hot chocolate, played games with my family, and bundled up and walked in the woods with my dog.
What I learned was by allowing that space I was not as tired and didn’t feel like I was dragging myself through the winter. As spring came, I found that I was more creative, more excited, and life was more vibrant – like the blossoming of flowers and leaves on the trees. I attribute the amazing spring season I experienced (including the creation of this business) to allowing myself to slow down for a while so things could simmer.
What little steps will you take this winter that will help you discover the heart of your journey?
So what can you do for yourself? Most of us don’t have the luxury of shutting down for the next three months, but we can find ways to slow down. What little steps will you take this winter that will help you discover the heart of your journey?
Wishing you all Peace, Love, and Joy!
Beth
*All stories are shared with permission from my clients.