Winter
is a challenging time for many. A lack of light , a lack of outside
activities , a
withdrawal
of energy , feelings of grief ,loss and depression.
It is
not only much darker outside, it often feels much darker inside as
well, and we might experience a sense of a dark cloud over and around
us.
As the
Earth so we, too, move through cycles :
from light to darkness , from up
to down, stillness to movement .
Winter
IS the dark time, and it is good to remember that we need a time to
reflect, turn inwards, and give space for grief, un-cried tears ,
un-resolved issues, hurts, memories, stories.
Holding
tears, grief, hurts, memories and stories without expressing them can
result in even deeper wounding and stagnation that can have long
lasting emotional and spiritual effects.
An effect that is showing
throughout all of society .
Winter
is the time for the rites of passage where we can drop into our
deeper and more hidden places and with gentle care and tender touch
and a lot of compassion take care of what needs to be taken care of.
As
a counselor I can see that magic can happen during this time, and
much quicker than during other seasons, if we commit ourself to the
healing process.
For
some, an extra support is needed by counselors , healers, therapists or just good friends who is to are able really listen and talk from the heart .
Asking
for help is nothing to be ashamed about. Without shame we look for a
doctor when we have a broken leg, as we would have a hard time fixing it
ourselves; the same is true for the hurting parts in our soul and
psyche.
You
might find own rituals as well e.g. Building grief altars ,
journaling, …
and
there are many shamanic rituals who can help you through e.g. working
with Death Mesas or a releasing hole in the earth etc.
You
might like to help yourself with plants and foods that help you to
move through this challenges. Changes in food and plant allies can
actually make shifts that are like night into day shifts.
A
period of several months of taking a B
complex vitamin is often very helpful and
Vitamin
D, the sunshine vitamine, is important for many health conditions ,
physically and psychologically, and boosts the immune system.
Focus
on deeply nourishing and warm foods during the winter . Root
veggies, beans, whole organic complete cereals, seaweed and mushrooms
and roots .
Long cooked stews will reduce the energy need of your
intestines for breaking down the food and makes digestion smoother.
Protein
and healthy fats are
especially vital in supporting mental and emotional health. Whatever
diet you fancy , make sure this is happening :)
Fermented
foods are just great . So add some Sauerkraut, Miso, Yogurt,
kombucha, pickles (not from supermarket ! ) to your food .. always...
but especially in winter .
Healthy
digestion makes for good nutrient absorption and healthy nervous
system tissues.
The
plant ally that comes to mind first for most is St. John´s Wort ,
but though this plant might help many people it might not work out for you.
So
consider asking a herbalist for alternatives.
Flower
Remedies , TCM Acupuncture, homeopathy, …
there are many ways to
support you physically and emotionally while healing .
If
you find you need support for shifting perspectives, energy release, support in creating sacred shamanic ritual/ceremony
for your healing work, help choosing essences, crystals or working on long term
supportive lifestyle
This
plan can involve heart-to-heart sessions (face-to-face or skype) shamanic ceremony and ritual, animal totem helpers,
flower essences and ceremony. If needed I will be happy to connect
you to additional healers in other areas when needed ( TCM .
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbalists... )
I
went through a lot of darkness and grief in my life myself and I know
from my own experience that the greatest gift in my process wasmy ability to ask for help when the darkness became overwhelming.
