[s2If !is_user_logged_in()] So we have all had a few weeks to appreciate the full reality of Winter. Whether you live on the coast, inland, in a valley or on a hill, the intensity with which you are experiencing the low temperatures, westerly winds, sunny spots in a sheltered space or the bleak days, are varied even day to day. As you sit and ponder from your preferred vantage point, casting your eye over the expanse of your home and surrounds, notice any specific points of difference you are observing.[/s2If]

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How has the predominantly Yin energy of Winter changed your view? Note the crispness of the air and how it triggers a certain dialogue in thought and conversation; an anticipation response in your physical self. What is your body craving or yearning for? What colour and weight are the clothes you are selecting from your wardrobe? What nourishing meals are you create and ingesting? What are your priorities for time on these days with shorter daylight and longer darkness? How are you keeping warm? You certainly still choose to get up and meet your obligations with family, at work, in your community and perhaps even globally. Your awareness though, that you are more introspective at this time of year is key to leveraging the power and intent of Winter.

What do you believe the bark of a tree, its leaves, its roots are expressing in this season? How is its physical being responding to life force energy reverting into the earth this time of year? Just as its growth and expansion phase is significant to its well-being, so is the contrast.
As a parallel, while our physical, spiritual and emotional wellness is stimulated and often challenged in the expansion phase of Summer, the rest period of Winter provides us with the necessary reprieve to restore, refocus and redefine. I see many who resent the reduced physical productivity particularly from a monetary return perspective at this time. What makes us more susceptible to illness, immunodeficiency, nutritional imbalance and external disharmony? Could it be that we are pushing against the Seasonal Tide; defying its purpose and disrespectfully demanding of others and ourselves? Creatively our desire to accomplish needs never be compromised. Perhaps a way of achieving productivity is to journal, create a refreshed landscape or business plan, rearrange a room, paint a portrait, knit a jumper, cook a nourishing casserole from scratch, or simply sit in gratitude in a cozy nurturing part of your home or garden. There is always an empowering solution to any perspective.

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Giving every moment in time a creative purpose, is a sure way of feeling valued, inspired, accomplished and progressed no matter what the time of year.

To maximize the benefits of Winter, consider trying the following:

? adapt your décor and introduce warm colourful quilts, rugs, cushions and lamps
? position a comfy chair to enjoy the morning sun
? stock your pantry with key ingredients like vegie stock, curry paste, winter vegies and dust off the crockpot and roasting pan so you can enjoy the heartwarming aromas all day
? pick up some reading material from your local library
? schedule a coffee morning with friends rotating from home to home
? dig out that yoga dvd and enjoy the stretching and slow movement
? enjoy comedy and laugh out loud!
? write a letter or an article sharing your current thoughts and experiences
? play uplifting music
? create a spa feel in your bathroom enjoy some oils to nourish the skin
? continue to intake water perhaps selecting a beautiful blend of tea
? be kind to yourself
? sort that box of photos
? tell a story
However you spend your Winter days, be mindful that it is only your experience at this time. Like the Mexican wave, somewhere on this Planet, it is a variation of Spring, Summer and Autumn.
Trust the intention of the Seasons, honour your capacity to adapt to change, know your value, and above all,
Enjoy your journey…

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