Here are 10 simple ideas to embrace silence, inner focus and introspection during winter:
Mindful Meditation: Set aside time each day to sit quietly and meditate. Focus on your breathing or a mantra to center your thoughts and bring about a sense of peace and presence. Winter is the time to travel indoors. Try this meditation Insight timer that invites your mind to reflect the vision of a clear mountain lake. On this meditative journey, you’ll begin by tuning into how your mind, when turbulent, reflects the turbulent surface of a lake: A meditation for winter: a season to go within
Journalizing: Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and experiences. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process feelings and gain clarity about your inner self. Start here: The benefits of journaling in nature: plus 20 FREE journal pages
Reading and learning: Winter is an ideal season to enrich your mind and soul through reading and learning. It’s the perfect time to enjoy insightful books or expand your knowledge by taking a course. Whether it’s a dive into literature or non-fiction about herbal medicine or foraging, every reading can open up new perspectives.
For those interested in herbal medicine, I highly recommend Herbal Academy. They offer a variety of herbal medicine classes at different levels and price points. I have personally benefited from their courses and can attest to their quality and depth.
Plus, for book lovers, check out my recommended reading “The 22 best books on herbal medicine for self-study” And “Best Books on Foraging in the Northeast: My Favorites List.” These are great resources for anyone who wants to explore these topics further.
Embrace the silence of winter as an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether through a book or a course, this season is a wonderful opportunity for personal development and discovery.
Nature walks: Even in the cold, a quiet walk in nature can be incredibly restorative. Observe the silence of the landscape, the bare trees and the fresh winter air. In winter you can even adopt a sitting spot. Read more here: Sit Spot: a sacred place to observe the rhythm of nature
Practicing Gratitude: Take time every day to think about what you are grateful for. Gratitude can change your mindset and bring a sense of contentment and peace.
Yoga and gentle movement: Do yoga or gentle stretches that focus on mindfulness and breathing. This can help maintain physical health while calming the mind.
Making Herbal Medicines: Embrace the age-old practice of making herbal remedies. This not only connects you to ancestral wisdom, but also engages you in a conscious, grounding activity. Find some herbal remedies you can try here: Herbal medicine and herbs
Digital detox: Reduce screen time and disconnect from digital devices for certain periods. This can help reduce stress and increase your connection to the immediate world around you.
10. Plans and dreams: Use this quieter time to make plans for the year ahead. Dreaming and planning can be a form of introspection, helping you align your goals and actions with your true self. This is the time when I plan my spring garden and dream of all the warm weather fun I will soon have.