The Dark Months
Winter always makes my inner bear want to hibernate. It started happening around the first of October since I’ve been living in New York. Then it hits me like a bottle of sleeping pills when daylight savings time ends. (Which was last night) Of course, I don’t hibernate — but my body reacts to the lack of daylight anyway.
This is like a mad marathon, racing with darkness to stay fit. Actually, it’s a race with the darkness and cold. I’ve given in on a few years and by New Year’s Eve my “get fit” resolution seems almost overwhelming to accomplish. At that point, I’m wearing pants several sizes larger. Ugh. Why was it that I left sunny California for New York?
So this year I started plotting against the darkness early.
I wrote myself meal plans, boosted up my cardio, re-affirmed my goals and timelines, wrote a workout schedule for the next months, bought some full spectrum lighting to help with the lack of natural light, and am planning for a photoshoot right in the middle of December to keep me motivated and away from 10 desserts at Thanksgiving. I also met with my doctor for an exam and to do blood work so we could make sure everything inside is running the way it’s supposed to.
I’m also surrendering in ways that suit the season, getting to bed earlier and going with the flow. Introspection in winter is a great tool for creating personal power… that’s the part of winter I do love. And the snow—at least in the country—it calms the mind, and works your body if you hike through it or attack it with a shovel.
Maryanne Travaglone, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, explains snowy winter through the practice of Chinese Medicine; winter — especially the white of winter, corresponds to the dormancy of the inner seeds of life that blossom in the spring. So all the care and nurturing done in winter is really to get us ready for new fabulous bathing suits.
Seasons come around to support life. If we’re growing full blast all year around then we don’t get the chance to rest and live with our new growth. But if you’re like me, you probably don’t want to stop. So use the season to solidify your hard work and prepare for the spring. It’ll be back before we know it.
How are you planning for the darker months? I'm always looking for new ways to make the journey a more successful adventure. Comments, questions and thoughts always welcome, I'd love to hear from you.
Train Your Body. Train your Mind. Tame your tongue.
Winter always makes my inner bear want to hibernate. It started happening around the first of October since I’ve been living in New York. Then it hits me like a bottle of sleeping pills when daylight savings time ends. (Which was last night) Of course, I don’t hibernate — but my body reacts to the lack of daylight anyway.
This is like a mad marathon, racing with darkness to stay fit. Actually, it’s a race with the darkness and cold. I’ve given in on a few years and by New Year’s Eve my “get fit” resolution seems almost overwhelming to accomplish. At that point, I’m wearing pants several sizes larger. Ugh. Why was it that I left sunny California for New York?
So this year I started plotting against the darkness early.
I wrote myself meal plans, boosted up my cardio, re-affirmed my goals and timelines, wrote a workout schedule for the next months, bought some full spectrum lighting to help with the lack of natural light, and am planning for a photoshoot right in the middle of December to keep me motivated and away from 10 desserts at Thanksgiving. I also met with my doctor for an exam and to do blood work so we could make sure everything inside is running the way it’s supposed to.
I’m also surrendering in ways that suit the season, getting to bed earlier and going with the flow. Introspection in winter is a great tool for creating personal power… that’s the part of winter I do love. And the snow—at least in the country—it calms the mind, and works your body if you hike through it or attack it with a shovel.
Maryanne Travaglone, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, explains snowy winter through the practice of Chinese Medicine; winter — especially the white of winter, corresponds to the dormancy of the inner seeds of life that blossom in the spring. So all the care and nurturing done in winter is really to get us ready for new fabulous bathing suits.
Seasons come around to support life. If we’re growing full blast all year around then we don’t get the chance to rest and live with our new growth. But if you’re like me, you probably don’t want to stop. So use the season to solidify your hard work and prepare for the spring. It’ll be back before we know it.
How are you planning for the darker months? I'm always looking for new ways to make the journey a more successful adventure. Comments, questions and thoughts always welcome, I'd love to hear from you.
Train Your Body. Train your Mind. Tame your tongue.
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