Rest and Renew is a great theme for now, the time of Winter (here in the Northern Hemisphere). Mother Nature has gone into this mode in the trees and plants. The perennial plants send their life energy down into their roots, insulated in the earth, protected from harsher coldness. They look a bit dead, but are really resting. It’s a natural way to survive when things get rough.
This time of year we often celebrate together. Yet it can sometimes become a whirlwind of activity, just when Nature tells us, “It’s dark more now – rest more now.” Do you look for the balance between activity and renewal? If the plants didn’t go deep now, they likely wouldn’t survive. When we don’t sleep deeply, rest enough, our health and lifespan suffers too – although it may not show up immediately.
What do you do to rest and renew? I meditate daily; I do breath work daily; I limit activities, leaving space to be a bit slower; I nap if I haven’t slept well; I take nice warm baths; I go out in the sunshine when it’s available; I walk outside in the clean,crisp air; I spend peaceful time with friends and family who are loving and supportive; I daydream, looking at the sky or the Solstice Tree; I laugh, sing, and dance; I read or watch inspiring stories. What do you do to rest and renew?
This balance of activity and rest alternate daily with the sun and yearly with the seasons. Being in touch with it suits being a healthy human.
(If you are interested in a shamanic journey about rest and renewal, Dec. Shamanic Study Group will have this theme. Join us if you are a journeyer. Contact Terra to register for the link.)