As the days and nights become colder as we enter into winter, there are many ways to enjoy the winter months. Here are some of the ideas for you to consider.
1. Either migrate or hibernate-If you don't like the cold, snow, and darkness then migrate. Many species of bird get the heck of winter and head for the warmer climates. So, many people have set up their lives to migrate and are referred to as 'snow birds'. Other animals nestle in and hibernate. This means to slow down and rest more. The winter is especially suited for some self reflection and realignment with your self, life purpose, or creative endeavors.
2. Take daily hot baths frequently or use a sauna of some type. This helps our body raise its body temperature without excessive activities. Plus, it allows us to sweat which we do much less of during the colder months. We are less active which is part of natures hibernation plan, yet we can use the tub or sauna to sweat and stay warm.
3. Sip warm spring water throughout the day. While studying Qigong in China, Master Luke Chan taught that by keeping the kidneys warm it will extend life. So the warm water is said to help keep the kidneys warm. You can also apply a hot water bottle to the kidneys to aid in this wisdom.
4. Get outside! Some may have to make this an effort at first and is one of the best ways to befriend nature. Embrace the beauty, stillness and the storms as part of life. Go for a 20minute walk everyday-you can even do this several times per day. If you are stuck in an office then go outside for 5-10 minutes 3 or 4 times throughout the day and breath deeply. Give your lungs some air. The air in buildings is very stale.
5. Remove your sun glasses and allow indirect sunlight in! You can even close your eyes while looking at the sun. This gives wonderful energy to our eyes and even our brains.
6. Follow a nourishing food program that includes raw unsalted cheeses and raw butter and lactofermented foods. These are foods of winter time. The cheese supplies great minerals, some protein and fat while the raw butter helps keep our cells well lubricated as the air becomes cold and dry. Coconut cream, dairy cream and coconut oil are other wonder foods to consume during the winter. The bacteria in the lactofermented foods will keep our gut in working order so we can digest and assimilate our foods. Also, remember to staying well hydrated. Sip fluids throughout the day. I don't drink much water because I consume 99% of my food raw. However, I do include a mineral beverage which consists of an edible clay, raw eggs, 6oz of natural mineral water such as Evian, lemon juice, raw unheated honey and small amount of raw cream. Lastly, include warming spices in your foods such as hot peppers, cinnamon, ginger, fennel, watercress, cumin, and fresh grated black pepper. Medicinal mushroom soups are wonderful for the immune system.
7. Get together with family and/or friends once per week for a potluck dinner to celebrate winter. Heck in the summer time there is always a weekend barbecue!
8. Get involved with something creative. Do or learn something totally different in order to keep your soul stretching and expanding. I myself play percussion in the Berkshire Bateria and we practice every Wednesday night. During the winter we have performances and it really warms my soul. This winter I have joined a Make It Happen group. A small group of individuals who meet once per week to make our dreams more tangible.
9. Play in the snow. This is in addition to getting outside. I know that snow sucks when we have to drive in traffic for 4 hours to get home from a 30 minute commute, but this is winter and scouring at it will not make it go away. Make a snow man, go sledding, or something that will connect you to the beauty and playfulness of snow. Try snow shoeing this winter anything that will lift you out of brooding about it.
10. Get to bed early. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola for every 1 hour of sleep you get before midnight is equal to 4 hours after midnight. Turn off all electronic devises at least an hour before bed. Take a hot bath or sit quietly with 100% bees wax candles. Journal, draw, doodle, or use your imagination to create something.
Just think of it this way, around Dec 21st it will be the longest night time or the shortest day light. From then on we are actually heading into spring/summer. The day light will actually be getting longer approximately 1 minute per day! In other words, spring is just around the corner.
Until we met, keep your body tuned up and your soul tuned in.
Dan
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