‘Tis the Season to Slow Down & Here’s How
In the flurry of expectant season, we’re swept up even before it starts. Planning the big Thanksgiving dinner, getting in those last minute happy hours with friends before the year ends, booking flights to visit family, racing around town to find the perfect dress for that big New Year’s Eve party, and buying all of the perfect gifts… The list goes on and on; fill in your favorite blanks. And while we have all come to find this perfectly normal, even to the point of calling it “tradition”, on a very deep and perhaps subconscious level we know it is not.
Ayurveda’s timeless beauty resides in its inextricable devotion to dancing with Mother Nature’s rhythms. If we take a moment to simply look outside right now, it’s as clear as the shortened days. The sun sets earlier. The trees are in a state of dormancy. The animals and insects are cozied up or hibernating. The freezes have stymied the flows of the rivers and iced over the lakes. It’s quieter everywhere. So, the teachings implore us to give ourselves permission, for just a season, to slow down, too.
But why, you may ask? We live in modern times with accouterments that insulate us from the harshness of the season. What good could taking a momentary reprieve from the the full bore pitta (firey) way of life do for me? What if I miss out on an epic opportunity? What if I don’t show up at that party that all my friends are going to? In no way am I suggesting that these that these gatherings and chosen experiences are uncalled for or not worth it. Quite the contrary! If they bring you joy and aid in your life’s purpose, then yes, honor your heart!
What I am suggesting is to move with mindfulness, to listen to the needs of your body and heart, and pay attention. Ask yourself: Is this going to fill my bucket? How much rest do I need today? Is there time that I need just for me this week? Where have I been putting myself on hold this year? What do I need to stop doing? Who would I prefer to spend less time with? Simply, prioritize yourself and your loved ones. Our energetic needs shift with this vata season, requiring us to externally exert less and get cozier and more internally creative, dreamy, aspirational. If we spend time drawing our resources inward to refine them, then come spring, we will likely be better equipped to bloom forth with the most vibrancy…just like the purple ash in my front yard.
Small shifts here and there can make the biggest differences; no need to upend your whole way of being (unless, of course, you believe that’s in order!). Below are a few of my go to’s that have helped me not burn out around the holiday season. You may be drawn to try one in the coming days or inspired to create your own.
Simple Ways to Bring in More Rest
Bookend Your Events - Rather than rushing from one obligation to the next, build in a break. Sometimes it’s enough to just to go home for 30, cuddle your pup for a few, drink a cup of tea, and breathe. Sometimes it’s a day after a major family dinner to journal and process. I’ve noticed that there often is an informality during this time of year and an understanding that everyone is trying to fit it all in. So, showing up 30 minutes ‘late’ is perfectly permissible (be sure to let you host know though and you’ll likely get an extra dose of loving compassion).
Prioritize Your Bedtime - Filling you schedule like you did in the summer will likely feel like more of a challenge now. That solar energy isn’t around until 9pm anymore, as such neither is our internal powerhouse operating at that level. Giving yourself time to sleep for the same during and at the same time consistently will build your reserves in the way that your body needs in the absence of our sun.
Create Cozy, Playful Evenings - Taking advantage of the early nights can feel like such a treat. Being at home, putting on your favorite lounge gear, lighting a candle or starting a fire, and being in the moment is soul food. Consider ways you can make these longer evenings the main event. In my home, we’ve curated quite a respectable board game collection. We have chosen books to read together. We have a whole list of favorite recipes for desserts and meals just for this season. Some of your favorite memories can be made in your pajamas.
Let Something Go - Reflection and release is a necessary task right now. Allow yourself to take time to think about what went well, what made you light all the way up. Then, consider what made you recoil, feel heavy, drained you, or didn’t meet your expectations. And rather than creating a resolution of what you want to start, give something over to the Universe that you’re ready to part with so you can have space for more of the nourishing, life affirming people and endeavors in your world.
Cuddle More - Whether it’s under a blanket with your favorite book, favorite person, or furry friend, take time to snuggle up. It not only just feels so good, but is so good for you. It decreases cortisol levels, improves immune function (ojas), activates the parasympathetic nervous system that helps digestion and restoration, increases our feel good hormones (oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine), lowers blood pressure and muscle tension.
Say No Thank You - Being in integrity to yourself and your needs, regardless of the season, is your responsibility. Only you know what that is from day to day, so if the need arises, give yourself permission to say ‘not today’, ‘I’d love to, but I can’t’, ‘can I take a raincheck?’. People that care about you will understand and perhaps by doing so, you implicitly give them permission to do the same when they need it. When we better care for ourselves, we can better care for others.
Wishing you nourishment, Renee