Preparing for Winter's Beauty

Winter was never my favorite season; still isn’t but I am trying!

I always saw winter as a time of being bored, overcast skies, shades of gray and brown, and feeling like I am too far from the natural world. But over the years I have come to appreciate the season, seeing it as a time to reflect, consider and prepare. Through Yoga, I have come to see winter as an opportunity to be – truly be – in the present moment of the season.  

In a recent article published by Yoga International, the author talks about our state of awareness and the world. In the article, the author, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait tells us,

“At the level of our conscious awareness, everything in the world is fleeting. Nothing exists here for more than a moment. The present is constantly falling into the domain of the past and the gap is replaced by the future. Thus, at every moment the future is turning into the present.”  

This thought makes me want to be in the present as fully as possible and this includes appreciating and noticing the beauty of winter.  

As the season approaches, I am already putting some things in place to enhance my experience of winter using my Yoga as the backdrop. Let me share some of what I am doing and thinking.  

A Physical Approach to Winter   

Creating appealing indoor physical space can be a first step in helping to appreciate winter’s gifts. Consider designing or redesign your space for indulgent comfort. Quilts, slippers, sweaters, fluffy pillows, fleece-lined Yoga pants, and candles can make for a space that is cozy and healing.  

Assemble recipes designed to build and strengthen your immune system. Our immune systems need support during the winter months. Dr. Mark Hyman, an expert in the field of health and wellness talks about the support we need at this time of year in many of his books and articles. Consult your own physician too.  

Staying active – movement and exercise work to move lymph through the body helping to remove toxins. I plan to walk a lot each day outside to move and get my vitamin D – so important for our immune system.  

A Mental Approach to Winter

I am scheduling a break - each day. It’s on my calendar. This is truly the season to rest. It’s what nature does at this time of year. Why shouldn’t we?  

I have started working on some new Yoga projects intended to challenge me intellectually and creatively. I am also planning my veggie and flower gardens so when those seed catalogs come out, I am ready to order. One might also consider learning a new language – maybe the Sanskrit name of your favorite Yoga poses to help deepen your Yoga practice?  

A Spiritual Approach to Winter

As I did some redesigning of my space for the change of season, I created a meditation space that I consider sacred territory. My mat is always unrolled so I can unroll my mind as I take my seat. The candle I light at the beginning of my practice reminds me that the light will be returning soon and that the darkness is not to be feared.  

I am also collecting ideas for natural gift giving and home decorating this holiday season and to bring the outside in.  

Let’s “be” Yoga as we embrace the beauty of the winter season each moment. These are our moments, and they are the only ones we have.