I recall vividly a moment in late summer as my long days were booming with activity and I was trying to do everything all at once with the utmost excitement that I paused and reflected, “Come winter, I’ll be quiet. I’ll be able to sit by the fire and read a book. I’ll reflect and ponder and make art and do all those slow wintery things.”
Well, the time is nigh.
As the holiday lights brighten the dark days edging toward Yule, AKA winter solstice, we can finally take a deep exhale into winter.
Firelight, dark skies, cozy early evenings with friends and family, snuggling under blankets, hot drinks, slow time, rest, creativity, intuition, quiet, listening, solitude, sweaters, fuzzy hats, walks in the snow, evergreens, stews—it’s a vibe.
Seasonal Living
Living cooperatively with the seasons instead of fighting them is luxurious. Being in relationship to the living world outside my doors is synonymous with being in relationship to my body, my psyche and my spirit. I cannot dismiss the change in light any more than I can dismiss my hungry belly. Every part of my being is shifting with weather, hibernation, sunlight, temperature, foliage, migration. I long to follow these rhythms. More than follow but honor them. And I encourage everyone to do so.
Here are a multitude of ways that you can ritualize the change of seasons including, creating an altar, harnessing your creativity with a writing class, practicing a ceremony, listening to season-inspired music, yoga nidra and reading insights. I hope at least one of these things inspires you
Our Uncertain Future is taking next week off for our own winter celebration. We’ll be back the following week with more seasonal writings, off grid guides and inspiration. Have a wonderful holiday season! We are so blessed to have you in our community
How to Create a Yule Altar
Creating an altar for the season is one of my favorite ways to honor the passing of time and to connect my interior space with the changes happening in the exterior world. Creating a Yule altar pairs well with all the other traditional holiday decor you are most likely accustomed to. This is my way of doing it; I keep it really simple. Of course, I don’t believe in buying anything for your altar. You have everything you need around you. If you do build a Yule altar, please send me photos or post in the comments below.
Creative Winter Inspiration
Darkness is fertile. We plant our seeds deep into the dark earth so they can begin their germination. We float in the dark womb as we gestate. In the same way, winter is a time to germinate and gestate our creativity.
This 90-minutes class is divided into three parts. Part one honors darkness, part two honors the pause of the sun along the horizon at peak solstice, and part three honors the return of light. Intuitive EcoWriting uses meditation and embodiment practices to supersede overthinking that causes writer’s block. Have your journal and a timer ready for some generative writing activities that will get your ink flowing. Only $15.
Cozy Winter Solstice Ceremony
For people who want a full-on winter solstice ceremony with guided meditations, journaling, dancing, and burning stuff, this is for you. I love ceremony, as you’ve probably figured out about me. I used to do a lot more online. Fortunately, I recorded them.
This was recorded over Zoom in 2023 and is an hour and 45 minutes long. There’s time at the start of the video to prepare with information about what you need as people start gathering for the event.
Music includes A Long, Long Night by Crow Women, I Am the Beginning and the End by Dorothy Tsatoke and Web of Life by SnowRaven.
Winter Music Playlist
Whether you’re baking, wrapping gifts, building a fire or going for a wintery drive, this playlist is a great companion. Absent of any Christmas songs, this playlist is pure winter inspiration.
Winter Solstice Ritual Yoga Nidra
Winter is a time for rest and quiet and what better way to do that than with yoga nidra. Yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness that can be used for deep relaxation, creating new habits, releasing old programming, or reaching states of spiritual awakening. This yoga nidra is great for life transitions or for any time you are ready to release what no longer serves you and renew yourself for new beginnings. Jump into the fire and from the ash, a new fire will alight.
Practice in savasana (corpse pose) with a bolster under your knees and a pillow under your head in a comfortable quiet room or sitting up if you tend to fall asleep. Get cozy, put in your headphones, press play and relax.
Inspiring Winter Articles from Our Uncertain Future
Playing With Fire
When the earth tilts away from the sun, we are in the dark and cold. The sun, our fiery star, is farther from us and our reliance on fire is more apparent. And so, at this time, we honor and give thanks to fire for its gift. Throughout time Winter Solstice rituals have revolved around fire quite simply because we are ritualizing the act of calling the sun back, calling the great fire back.
Winterize for Wintuition
Yet when I grow impatient for spring, I remind myself that winter’s greatest gifts are below the surface. Winter is prime time for tapping into our psyche and intuitive gifts. As with plants who go dormant during the cold winter months, this period of rest is important for our wellbeing.
Off Grid in Wintertime
Living off the grid is more challenging in wintertime. I was thinking about people who live off grid in Hawaii or Mexico, perhaps they have a rainy season to contend with, but its not quite the gravity of winter. In winter, our reserves are tested. There is less sun for electricity, less water for washing and drinking, and less heat for composting or gr…
Upcoming Events in Taos Area with Johanna
