As nature prepares itself for winter, our bodies do the same. Or at least, they would, if we would let them 😉 There's nothing wrong with retreat....it's a totally natural thing to do. Life has a rythm. A natural rythm of going outwards and inwards, like our breath.
In nature, we see the trees' changing coulours. It's the outward sign of something that goes on within the tree itself: it retreats its juices, its life-essence, so to speak, to its roots. There it will remain until springtime. The tree will loose its leaves and will become "quiet"....The metabolism is slowed down during winter time....it's like it's sleeping, or maybe even death. But then there's spring: and everything starts moving again: the juices will flow through the tree, through the branches and will reach even the smallest ends. There new leaves will appear, and the tree is alive once more.
In our busy schedules, we tend to forget we're also part of nature. And this time of the year, when days are getting shorter, and temperatures drop, many people feel down. I feel that might be because we're fighting against our nature. Fighting against our bodies who feel like they want to retreat. Do an inward movement: just like we're literally forced to go in our houses (because of the rain, the cold, the darkness etc.), inside our bodies and psyche there's a similar movement taking place: of going inward. Retreat! Breathe in..... So we can breathe out again when spring comes.
The thing is: nowadays, we are expected to be "out there" all the time. We don't make a difference between the seasons. It's even worse: in wintertime we're supposed to shine. Like during the holiday season, right? The thing is however, that you can't always be jolly jumper....there is a time to shine, there is a time to retreat. Breathe in, breathe out... And if we don't give ourselves that, our bodies might just force us to do so.
That's all well said, ofcourse, and it would be fine if there wasn't a rent or mortgage to be paid, and schools were closed in wintertime, and all other appointments and responsibilities could be put on hold. But ofcourse, our society isn't made that way. So...how do you do it? How can you give your body what it needs, and still continue your normal everyday life?
living with a chronic condition actually helps me to find answers to that. And the main solution is: making choices! there's only so much you can do in a day. And that means you have to choose. And prioritize.... And how tempting it may be to put your job, your school, your chores, your appointments first...How about finding time to make yourself a priority every day too?
In the video below, I share my view on this. And as you may notice: in this video I'm out in the woods with my dogs. Enjoying the outdoors.... And ofcourse that takes a lot of effort for me at this moment. (as I am bedridden for 22 hrs a day). But that was my priority for that day. So I left other things (like a phone call to my friend) for another day. I knew a ride through the woods would energize me mentally. It was a gift to myself. And I gave my body its rest before and afterwards. But that was something I wanted to do for me. It was a choice.
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| The scales are the symbol of St. Michael, the patron of Autumn: Balance is key in this time of the year... |
So....what gives you energy? And what takes your energy? Are you aware of how many daily things (or persons) you encounter take your energy? Give you nothing in return? And how many are there, that nurture you? That make you feel more fulfilled, joyful? Wouldn't you like to bring more balance in to that?
Stress is the main cause of a lot of health problems. Allow yourself to rewind...to retreat.
Love,
Mama Sanna
