3. Winter can be a mindful experience too!
This week I’m sharing how I stay connected to the seasons as a form of mindfulness.
It can be so easy to disconnect from our environment with so much of our day is indoors; we’re at work, then driving home, downtime inside watching TV, housework. It’s so easy to get into bed and realise you’ve hardly been outside.
And as winter sets in, there is much more comfort to be found inside rather than out.
But by not experiencing the seasons, I get the sense that time is slipping by in a blur of sameness created by climate control!
So these are the simple things I’m doing this year to live more mindfully.
Notice the seasons
Each time I step outside, I take in a deep breath through my nose. Notice the temperature and smell of the air.
Turn my face to the sun, eyes closed, feel the warmth on my skin. I know we’re all plastered in retinol, but a moment wont hurt!
Just stare at the sky, notice the clouds. Notice the different blues of the day. The stars and moon at night.
And probably my favourite - bare feet on the ground. I know, the thought of cold wet muddy dirt in winter isn’t that appealing, but seriously nothing transports me back to being a 6 years old quite like that squishy feeling!
Feet on the earth is shown to help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
These little moments of noticing are all acts of mindfulness and help to create a calmer mind.
Rituals at home
Taking inspiration from the Danish tradition of hygge (pronounced hooga), I love to create a cosy warm home. Hygge is my attempt at embracing the colder months and making them more joyful. Winter can feel so looooong here in Victoria.
I like dimming the lights at night and lighting a candle.
Burning warming oils like ginger and lavender.
Cooking a big pot of soup or something delicious in the slow cooker. (Full transparency, Andy my husband does the cooking, but I find the recipes!)
And taking a moment before meditating to wrap myself up in a cosy blanket or two.
Being mindful of the seasons allows us to become more aware of time. And embrace all parts of the year. Creating rituals around the seasons makes it even more magical.
Friday is winter solstice and I’m even considering throwing myself in the ocean to truly notice what time of year it is. Am I crazy? 🥶
If you have any questions or would like to share your seasonally rituals with me, I would LOVE to hear from you! Hit reply or find me on instagram.
Libby x
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
This was the first book on Hygge I read and is my favourite. I love all things Scandi, so the concept of hygge captures something so magical to me. There is a focus on the little pleasures and joys in life, which may be the thing that makes the Danes some of the happiest people in the world!Soup!
Soup is a highlight of winter for me! I’m currently obsessed with this minestrone from Recipe Tin and this lentil soup from My New Roots. Both packed with veggies and warm vibes!Past Lives
This beautiful movie came out in 2023, but of course I’ve only just seen it! It’s a quiet film about love and friendship with stunning acting and scenery. If you need something gentle this Sunday I highly recommend curling up on the couch with Past Lives. I watched it on Binge, but I think it is on Prime too.