As we move into the darkest days of the year under the Winter Solstice, it's helpful to have nourishment at the forefront of your awareness.
The Science of the Solstice
'No matter where Earth happens to be in its orbit, the sun appears to move over the year from 23.5 degrees north of the celestial equator on June 21 to 23.5 degrees south of the celestial equator on Dec. 21. The sun crosses the equator traveling northward around March 21 and going southward on Sept. 21, in celestial events known as "equinoxes" (from the Latin for "equal night," as day and night are of roughly equivalent length on these dates.) The exact dates vary a little bit from year to year because of leap years.On Dec. 21, the sun stops moving southward, pauses, and then starts moving northward. This pause is called the "solstice," from the Latin words "sol" for "sun" and "sisto" for "stop." Similarly, on June 21 the sun stops moving northward and starts moving southward. -Source
While the days are still short, we are at the tipping point of the wheel. The shift in directions is upon us. Now is the time to nourish in preparation for spring, rather than push yourself towards the culture of 'New Year, New Me' in the middle of winter.
Four Basic Steps towards a Nourished Winter:
1. Create a Hygge home.
Studies show that the Danes are the happiest people in the world- despite the dark, cold winters that they experience! Could this be because of their 'hygge' tradition?
Learn even more about Hygge in MM Publication Vol OI from contributors Vivianna Severance and Jesse Cross . (There is even a seasonal shift tarot spread!)
2. Know Depression.
Get to know the truth about depression- as a signal from your intelligent body that something within needs your attention. Learn more in Kelly Brogan's book, A Mind of Your Own.
Learn even more about Seasonal Affective Disorder in MM Publication Vol OI from contributor Charis Gaston, LMFT.
3. Honor the Cycles.
Co-create with nature by designing your life with the seasons. Learn to live in alignment with the Wheel of the Year and your body's moon cycle. You can start integrating these practices into your life, using our book as a guide.
4. Live aligned.
Master the mundane of daily life by planning your day before it begins. Use elemental scheduling to find your flow. We cover this in our book (linked in #3).
Want to learn more about seasonal wellness? Dive into Abigail Diaz's latest article in MMP OI - she gives more tips on how to embrace a nourishing winter and optimize your own wellbeing on pages 21 and 22.
Xo, MM
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