How to honor the winter solstice

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Dec 20

The winter solstice is officially the first day of winter. There are a lot of negative connotations about this, especially in the North, because there's this impending doom mentality to know there's still probably 4 or 5 months of cold weather, dark days, and crappy drivers. But with the state of our environment, increasingly intense storms, and weather patterns my relationship to the cool and dark season is changing. Just because I haven't liked it for years, doesn't mean I want it to go away. The balance to the Earth to keep winter as it should be is something that's been on my mind more and more lately. The best, or maybe the first, we can do is be aware of moments like this. What can we do to make the most of the darkest day of the year?

3 easy ways to honor the Winter Solstice | Emily Bode blog | Wood block print by Becca Watz of Soul Sister Studio

1 | Perspective

I think to check in with our perspective helps to honor the solstice. Are you being cranky or bitter to others? Not letting others in when traffic is heavy or being a jerk in the checkout lane? Both of these I've been the victim of and have done to others already this season. A change of mindset could help. If I'm feeling this way, others probably are too. This is a human thing, not an everyone-is-out-to-get-me-kick-me-when-I'm-down thing. Or do like my mother says, "Count to 10 before responding". It might seem childish to count to yourself but being petty and cranky is childish too so which is better?

3 easy ways to honor the Winter Solstice | Emily Bode blog | Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography

2 | Have a ritual

I've found having a ritual or a routine helps to stay positive. Something I do every day or every week, no matter how small, that I can count on when everything else seems to be falling apart. Writing for 10 minutes with coffee and a candle to start the day or having a winter bonfire to end the week are a couple ways to soak in the darkness instead of avoiding it.

3 easy ways to honor the Winter Solstice | Emily Bode blog

3 | Work up a sweat

This is the probably the hardest but most rewarding to do during these darker days. Difficult because it's cold and the couch is calling or it's dark and...well, the couch is still calling! But working up a sweat is SO good for your immune system. It releases toxins from your body that have stagnated and gives you more energy. Just think, there's a nice hot shower at the end of it!

There are a lot of advantages to darker days. If you're a busybody, it might be difficult to slow down or sit still with your thoughts and feelings but it's so crucial to check in with yourself every once in a while. Take the time to reflect on your last year with these 3 questions from Marie Forleo in lieu of New Year's Resolutions or start a ritual with a partner or close friend to keep you going. Whatever you do, remember that the days will continue to get lighter & brighter from here on out until the Summer Solstice, literally!

Happy Winter Solstice, friends. xo, Em

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