I wanted to talk a bit about Winter because it always seems like a hard time of year for most people. I decided a few years ago to follow a Taoist approach to winter and It has really helped me be ok with the season of cold and dark.
Winter is a time of deep Yin energy which means that the feminine energy is drawing the Earth's energy down deep into the ground. This is the perfect time of year to RELAX. Sleeping too much? maybe eating too much? Feeling heavy or slow? That's OK ( within reason of course)! This is the time of year when we should honor our bodies natural rhythm to take it easy and expend the LEAST amount of energy possible. Our bodies are hard at work overcoming cold temperatures and lack of sunlight. So go ahead and take that nap, read that book or just chill out with a good movie. Regular get-togethers with friends can also help to bring some of that sunshine of the soul out, Laughter!
It's an auspicious time to work on new ideas that can "spring" into action once spring comes around again. It's also the best time to work on a creative project that you've always wanted to because 1. there's not much going on to distract you outside and 2. because this Yin energy is a creative force. Look to our friends the plants. Tap into the energy of winter, notice the seeds (or ideas) waiting, mellowing in the ground just waiting for the ideal moment, the ideal conditions! Combine with the excitement and energy of the New Year You when everyone is focusing on a new beginning, and you could really see how this can be powerful magic for any new project!
We can also use this time to really delve into a spiritual practice we have always wanted to begin. The darkness and Yin energy is there to help us reach into the depths of our souls. To search and find what it is we have been looking for. Women can tap into Yin energy to practice strengthening their goddess within or men can to understand their feminine aspects. Both men and women can use this time to establish better connections with their female relatives and loved ones.
The Feminine Darkness is not scary but comforting, like the womb or the warmth underneath the covers on a chilly night.
One more thing about food. We all eat and kinda have too. I use this time of the year to try out all kinds on soup and stew recipes. These food are warm and cooked well so that our bodies become warm from the inside AND don't have to spend too much energy digesting them. Double Bonus! I think of soup as a warm hug. Also I noticed years ago that I crave citrus fruits more in the winter than anytime else. If you've noticed the citrus is good this time of year. Their are many different varieties and the stores always have big displays. I believe it is because, of all fruits, the citrus represents the sun and sun energy and I think our bodies inherently know how to naturally get more "Sun"!
Anyways that's enough for now. Hopefully you can use some of this info to help you get through this season. I know it has helped me and others.
Best of luck to you in the New Year!
