I’ve always loved this lens - and, working with experts right across the spectrum of western to eastern medicine, what always astounds me is how traditional wisdom aligns so robustly with all we’re now learning about the nature of female biochemistry.
As many in this community celebrate Thanksgiving and begin the ramp up to Christmas festivities too, we may feel uncomfortable about the desire to opt out of social occasions; we may feel the resistance and jump to anger with our bodies and minds for the shift. But, what if instead wintering was an invitation to reframe our place in the world, an opportunity to work out what works for us now? If you’re already feeling frazzled by the parties and the to do list, here are a few reflections that may help:
1. Rest is not an indulgence: In her beautiful book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May, the author writes:
"Rest is not indulgence, it is the antidote to exhaustion, and it is how we begin to heal. It is the return to ourselves that enables us to emerge stronger and more resilient."
2. In busy times, build in micro-retreat breaks: Self care doesn’t have to be complicated. It also doesn’t have to be long! Build in micro-retreats into your day. Especially when they are busy. Schedule ‘10 minutes whilst carrots are cooking’ or ‘15 minutes after the shower’ into your planner with all the other commitments and timings. Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist Katie Brindle recommends downloading a Gong App as an easy way to build breath and rest into the day. In addition to acting as a prompt that you simply respond to, the sound helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress and anxiety. To listen to Katie’s reflections on menopause, check out her conversation with LIMINAL’s founder and head of research, Rebekah in her hugely popular podcast last month HERE.
1. Start the day in flow: A daily flow journal practice can be transformative in any transitional period. Our resident therapeutic expert Henny Flynn’s beautiful book on the topic would be a beautiful gift to yourself this holiday season. Because, as we allow ourselves to rest and reflect, we have the opportunity to set the frame for the future too. What do we want to invite in? What do we want to move away from? Where will part two take us?
And remember, as motivational coach and author Mel Robbins often reminds her community - ‘No is a complete answer’. If you don’t want to do something, or you don’t have capacity to, you can say so. You matter. And setting boundaries is part of the opportunity we share at this juncture in our lives. Part 2 is next. What do you want it to hold?
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