Whenever we follow Nature’s lead, we reap powerful rewards. Wintertime is no exception.
Winter reminds us how to find balance, how to let go of what no longer serves us, to rest more, to go deep within ourselves, and to move slower.
She reminds us of the importance to tend to our emotional and psychological needs so that we can heal ourselves. This allows us to shine bolder, brighter, and fuller come Spring.
When we tune into her language, Winter shows us how to align more deeply with our true nature.
Taking Nature's Cue
Most plants have taken on golden, espresso, and ashy hues as they’ve shed their old ways of expression via their foliage. Deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, and Tamaracks, their needles.
They have turned inward to rest, replenish, and dream of what new ways they may express themselves come spring. Many will grow taller, wider, and perhaps send off shoots or seeds for new life to take form come Spring.
But not all will bloom again. Some will enter their final phase, providing nutrients to the soil, plants and trees as they begin their journey of decomposing, becoming Earth once again.
The same can be true for the energy that we no longer wish to carry forward in our own lives.
A Simple Practice To Follow Winter's Guidance
This super easy practice is inspired by shamanic ceremonies and rituals that I guide. If you follow the exercise with 100% intention & attention, remaining present and free of distraction, it will support you as you intentionally shift your life in ways you desire.
If you’d like to create a full ceremony or ritual, join my mailing list HERE to receive “Create Powerful Ceremonies & Rituals + Integration Support”.
The Practice
1) As you reflect on what Winter has to teach you, ask yourself, “What within me, or within my life, is ready to 'die'?" This is a metaphorical death of course, and it’s something we often ask ourselves as we prepare for shamanic ceremonies and rituals.
It could be a “death” of a belief, pattern, habit, a way of living, a relationship (or a way of being in relationships), or an aspect of ourselves. This “death” will allow you to release that energy, and create more space, either energetically or physically, in your life.
2) Now take a minute or more to get comfortable, close your eyes, and envision what your life will look and feel like once you let that thing go- once you let it “die”. Sense with any/all senses that turn on for you, including your 5 senses, your 6th sense, and your 7th sense of sacred imagination.
When you tap into that future reality, how do you feel? Lighter? Freer? Happier? More peaceful? A sense of clarity? Better boundaries? Better self love? Like you have more time? Does life look simpler, calmer?
3) Next, plan an action to symbolize that you’re letting this energy go. Ideas are limitless, and I've listed a few below. You may want to do this right away, or schedule a time.
When you're ready to take the action, begin by taking a few slow deep breaths into your low belly, and fully, slowly breathing out all the energy you’re ready to release. Tap into your intention, and ask the elements you’ll be working with to please take or wash away the energy of what you are releasing. Speak it aloud if possible.
Then, you could:
Write a word, sentence, or letter, then burn it in a candle or bonfire.
Take an epsom salt bath, and wash the energy away. Visualize or imagine the water taking it down the drain. If you don’t have a tub, take a shower & lightly scrub your skin with sea salt. Incorporate a candle, insense, or essential oils if you like.
Take a walk in nature and ask the Earth or Wind to take the energy from you as you walk, stomp, dance, lay, or meditate.
However you choose to let the energy go, don’t worry about energy pollution. The elements perform an alchemical process with the energy we release.
Once you’re ready to wrap up your practice, thank the elements that supported you for taking the energy, and for transmuting it.
You may feel moved to thank that old energy for keeping you safe, protecting you, teaching you, etc before or after letting it go. Follow what feels right.
4) Once complete, if it feels good, I recommend you simply “be” without that energy for days, weeks or months.
“Be” like the tree that’s dropped its leaves.. Resting and simply feeling into its potential for what’s to come, WITHOUT taking action to make anything new bloom.
This will likely feel very peaceful- like you’ve just created all this mental, emotional or physical space to rest, relax, and imagine the possibilities. To be in a space of simplicity.
If that feels too boring, or like something is missing, that’s okay! Go ahead and begin replacing that old energy with something you wish to take root, to grow, or to expand- perhaps a new habit, belief, pattern, etc.
It’s better to replace the old energy right away if the feeling of boredom, etc might mean you end up calling that old energy back into your life.
Integration Is Crucial
Again- reference the handout “Create Powerful Ceremonies & Rituals + Integration Support”. for integration tips- you can get it by signing up here.
In a nutshell- remember to take actions that align with the full release or “death” of what you let go as time goes on.
Continue to:
1. Make choices that align with Letting. It. Go. Even when it feels uncomfortable, scary, etc.
2. Remember that you are supported by the Universe, the Divine, Spirit, God, Goddess, Oneness- whatever that force is for you.
3. Remember that things will turn out beautifully when you follow the breadcrumb trail to whatever it is that lights you up. The journey can be bumpy at times, but it's worth it.
4. Bring to mind (with all of your senses that "turn on”) how life feels and looks when you’ve fully released the energy.
5. When the time is right, start nurturing the seed, idea, or desire for what you want to take its place. The new thing doesn’t have to be anything beyond more free time or more time to rest.
I hope that this message serves you in some way. If you know someone that could benefit from letting something go this Winter, please pass this along.