The Inward Turn

Winter marks the time of year we are meant to turn inward in all healing traditions. Yet, socially, it can be a very active and stimulating time. On top of that, many of us pressure ourselves to get things done before the year end. All of this leads to both emotional and physical depletion. 

It shows up as fatigue, overwhelm, poor sleep and digestive capacity, dryness, colds and emotional reactivity. 

In trying to get clear on the inward turn for myself, I put together a simple and realistic guideline below. There’s no pressure to do it all perfectly, as every little bit you do helps you from tipping over into imbalance. 

1. Produce less. Put off what you can for the new year.
2. Let go of excess. This is a great time to donate and clear out whatever is taking up space in your life that you don’t need. 
3. Rest more. Earlier bedtime is key. Put a healthy limit on social plans per week.
4. Observe more. Instead of solving, acting and trying to get others on the same page, simply observe, journal and accept things as they are. 
5. Avoid extremes. From schedules, to reactivity, to food habits, stay middle ground.