Preparing for Winter
Hello Women,
It’s approaching mid November and the seasons are definitely changing. I was walking in the forest this morning and there was a thin sheet of ice covering the river - the water flowing beneath it, the sun reflecting off it, sparkling like tiny diamonds. We are on the brink of winter here! So get cozy and join me for a small sacred pause on this brink of winter day. Maybe brew some tea (I have nettle and green tea mixed, which interesting and warming), get comfortable and let’s talk about preparing for the winter season ahead.
Winters in Canada are long and cold! I’ve lived here for many years now and I’m still getting used to them. Winters in England are cool and wet. The grey cloud and continuing dampness of the season can be a little dull, and can feel quite long. But spring blooms in late February or early March and signs of new life are bright and colourful, despite the slate grey skies.
The Rocky Mountains are very different.
It’s cold. Sometimes bitterly cold. So cold it freezes your nostrils and feels very strange! But it’s bright. The sun illuminates the snow and while the frozen nose feels odd, the eyes are dazzled by intense sunshine, blue skies and the brilliant pure light of the sun reflecting off the snow. It’s also a long season here. We are sometimes waiting for the last of the snow to melt in late April or early May. So with the cold and the length of the season, I like to prepare a little bit for the time ahead, to feel the magic of winter, indulge in essence of the darkest days, as we approach the Winter Solstice and truly make the most of the earth as she begins her hibernation.
Here’s what I like to do in the weeks leading up to Winter Solstice:
Put the garden to bed for the winter. I rake the last of the leaves, cut down my plants and dry the last of my herbs, ready to use as medicine over the winter months. I prepare my little sacred space for the magic of a winter garden, covered in snow and illuminated by lanterns and fairy lights. What we lack in growing season here, I like to make up for with cozy, winter glowing garden magic!
Making medicine. Along with my dried herbs, I like to make a batch of elderberry syrup. It’s wonderful for immune support and is full of vitamin c for the winter season.
Planning gifts. During these weeks I like to plan gifts for my family in England, as mail can take time to arrive and I like to be organized! Also, homemade gifts and crafts can be time consuming, so I like to get started on projects during November.
Making a list of winter reading. As the days grow shorter, I make a list of books that I would like to read during the cozy days and evenings of the season. Last year I read Wintering by Katherine May and I particularly enjoyed it. It is a beautiful seasonal read.
Seasonal cooking. By mid November I am craving warming, winter foods and I like to get out my recipe books and organize some new winter dishes to nourish and warm my family on the cold, snowy days.
Candles. I love candles and this is the time of the year that I bring candles into every room in my house. As the nights draw in, I like to light them at around 4pm and bathe my home in their soft glow and fragrant magic.
Yoga. This practice is year round for me, but as the cooler season descends, I like to transform my practice into a warm, nurturing ritual. I light the candles in my home studio, watch the snow falling outside and sometimes deer wander past my windows and look in!
Preparing Winter Solstice magic. The Winter Solstice is my favourite Celtic festival and I like to prepare for the magic of the day. I organize small, meaningful gifts for my children - usually books, oracles cards or art and craft related items. We make cranberry garlands and decorate our own spruce trees, then we take some of these rosy, jewel like strings to the forest to decorate the trees and provide treats for the wildlife on the coldest days. I make rich, creamy hot chocolate and we bring it with us and drink it watching the sun set. Even on the coldest Solstice (probably around -25), we wrapped up extra warm and braved the chill to enjoy our ritual. Once the sun has set, I light all the candles in my house and we enjoy the coziness and magic of the evening.
I hope some of these winter preparation ideas inspire you to feel into the magic of the season. I would love to know about the plans you make or the rituals you have during these weeks. Comment below and share the magic you are creating!
If you would like to add some yoga magic to the weeks ahead, join me on YouTube or on the home page of this website for some short practices of Iyengar Yoga, acupressure and self massage. The Yoga for Healthy Feet practice is especially for this time of year, as we wrap up in our winter boots again. It’s a warm and cozy candlelit practice to free your feet and soothe the nervous system.
Until next time....