The Gift of Rest

If you are in sync with the seasons, then your body knows that January falls into the season of rest. Yes, winter = rest. Yet we start out the month with a big celebration and jump right into planning what will be in the new year.

This comes with an inescapeable feeling that we are supposed to get right to it and start making things happen pronto. Honestly, that kind of pressure alone makes me tired.

So, a few notes about rest. A truly restful state is one where judgement is left behind and we are simply present in the moment, in a quiet and supportive way with ourselves or even with another. We are richly nourished if we give this time to ourselves without trying to make anything happen.

As we allow ourselves to sink into the spaciousness that only rest can provide, we then gain access to clarity. Clarity, a strong sense of truly knowing what we want most, is the gift of this season of rest.

So now that the hustle of the holiday season is behind us, take advantage of the remaining slower days of early sunsets and extra layers to stumble onto clarity. Then, from this place of clarity, we can craft visions for our new year.

Visualization is a powerful tool that you can use while riding the bus, sitting on the sofa, or waiting in line at the grocery. Picture yourself doing the things you want to have happen this year. Visualize all the details: Where are you? What does it look like? Who is there with you? When does it take place?

 Imagine the smells and sounds that go with this vision to bring it to life inside. Revisit it often and notice how it feels in your body to be doing what you desire. Be sure to put down some roots in this feeling.  Let it sink in and savor it and from these root you’ll sprout new inspired growth in the spring.