Hi,
Friend.
It's time for a winter reset,
Time to slow down,
Soften,
And let your body rest the way winter intends.
There's nothing you need to fix,
Nothing you need to improve,
Simply a pause,
A place to land.
Start by finding a position that feels warm and supported,
Either sitting or lying down.
If it feels good,
Let your eyes close or soften your gaze.
Begin by noticing your breath,
Just like it is.
No need to change it,
Just notice the natural rhythm.
Now,
Gently allow your exhale to lengthen,
Even if only slightly.
Not forcing,
Just letting the breath release more fully,
Like warm air leaving your body on a cold day.
With each longer exhale,
Your nervous system receives a simple message.
It is safe to slow down.
Let your shoulders soften.
Let your jaw relax.
Let your hands rest easily.
Imagine your body growing heavier with each exhale,
As if gravity is doing more of the work for you.
Now,
Visualize yourself indoors on a quiet winter evening.
Outside,
The world is still.
The air is cold and crisp and calm.
Inside,
There is warmth,
Light and shelter,
Just a cozy evening.
There's nothing waiting for you.
Nothing needs your response.
If thoughts drift through your mind like a snow drift,
That's okay.
Gently bring your attention back to the sensation of warmth and weight in your body.
Feel the back of your body fully supported.
Your head,
Your shoulders,
Your spine,
Your hips,
Your legs.
Allow your belly to soften.
Allow your breath to move without effort.
You're not trying to relax.
You are allowing rest to happen.
With every exhale,
Imagine releasing a little bit more pressure,
A little bit more effort,
A little bit more holding.
Silently,
Offer yourself this reminder.
Nothing is required of me right now.
Stay here for a few slow breaths.
If it feels comforting,
Imagine wrapping yourself in a blanket,
Real or imagined,
Adding another layer of warmth and ease.
Winter is a season of conservation,
Of repair beneath the surface,
Of gathering energy instead of spending it.
Let your body rest the way it knows how.
When you feel ready,
Begin to gently bring awareness back,
Wiggling your fingers or toes and noticing the surface beneath you.
Take one final slow breath.
And when it feels right,
Open your eyes.
Carry this softness with you.
Winter doesn't rush,
And neither do you.