Stemming back to ancient times, winter represents spirit time. Many indigenous people associate darkness with the spirit and “non-ordinary reality,” and daylight with life on the earth plane and “ordinary reality.” This is perfect for personal and spiritual reflection. Thus, people place importance on going inside themselves for inner work during the wintertime.
Each Seasons Has a Natural Rhythm. Winter Is For Personal and Spiritual Growth
Winter, and the increased darkness that comes with the season, are thus logically considered a time for spirit work. There’s a greater connection to dream time and a thinning of the veil between here and the ever-after.
Spring and summer are for planting, growing, gathering, building, and repairing.
Fall is for reaping the harvest and preparing for winter (see my blog post the Autumnal Equinox-Turning Inward).
Spring and summer are active and outward-oriented. Fall is when many living things draw their life force inward, and begin the process of dormancy or hibernation.
Energy of Winter
Winter, on the other hand, is for slowing down and resting. Humans tend to naturally do this, It’s also a great time for restoration, introspection, reflection, and spiritual work.
Winter is inward in nature. Looking at this way, it offers a unique opportunity for anyone who values inward reflection, spiritual inner work, mindfulness, balance, and connection to their broader self, the universe, and spirit.
It’s a chance to think about new options, renew commitments, and more generally dream and scheme. As such, winter is a time to look forward to and cherish.
So, naturally, it is the perfect time to put more focus on meditation or to regularly practice yoga or Qi Gong, write in a journal, draw or sketch, review and analyze dreams, sing, drum, engage in vision work such as shamanic journeying, and spend some time alone in quiet reflection whether indoors or outdoors.
Winter beckons one to get back in touch with one’s deeper self and one’s purpose.
Preparing For Winter Spiritual Reflection
People traditionally make pledges and resolutions in late December and the first of the year. And, it’s best to take some time before then to reflect, assess, and prepare. so that the resolutions are more inclined to be kept and intentions actualized. So…..
November is a good time to start this process. Begin by reviewing the last year. You might even scan your more distant past if it’s relevant to the resolutions you’re considering.
Ensure that your resolutions are more inclined to be kept and intentions actualized.
Slow down, take time, and go inside yourself…..
Nourish yourself and your soul through the winter!
For More Information On The Seasons And Inner Work, See:
- My Mind Body Spirit blog and, in particular, posts related to inner work during winter:
- FREE guided meditations to facilitate your winter inner work.
- Or, for help with identifying ways to engage in winter’s personal and spiritual reflection, consider my:
- Or, contact me.
Updated October 31, 2022
