Hello Nicole...good to connect with you here ♥️ I wanted to say how much I loved the podcast episode on ways to support your nervous system. New ideas (reading up on lymph massages now) and also interesting reinforcement of some things I have always done (not knowing why) to soothe myself. I’m not sleeping well currently due to many factors and I have a book on Kindle on my phone which I have read at least 10 times...it actually kind of irritates me (it’s a memoir) but I also find it fascinating! If I wake as I did last night at 3am I can read for 30 minutes, just dipping in at any point, and I don’t have to think about it or let my mind jump ahead...it reduces my anxiety and quiets my racing heart so I can sleep again. I also love rewatching old shows - Friends, Detectorists, Frasier..even (slightly embarrassing) Little House on the Prairie sometimes! Anyway - thank you for your always great content and your generous spirit in this writing community. It is appreciated. Happy Holidays and enjoy your break ♥️🎄🎉♥️
I hope you start sleeping better soon, and have a wonderful holiday season! Let me know if you end up trying the lymph massage. I've really enjoyed doing it a few nights a week as part of my evening routine.
One of the things I look forward to this time of year comes from the Persephone story. In the Greek myth, she makes the descent into the dark and the underworld at the Autumn Solstice. She stays in the dark until December 22, (the Winter Solstice) when the light begins to lengthen the days. I feel like this myth gives us a template for ritualizing this in our own lives. As such, your article resonated deeply with me. This is my time of year to pull into myself, focus on soul work and nourishing a loving heart. I journal. I embrace solitude and I do my best to slow to the pace of living to the pace of guidance. Love and thanks to you for this beautiful piece -- this reminder of honoring the seasons and our personal mythologies of descent and ascension with thoughtful ritual. Big hugs and big appreciation - Stephanie
I've used the Winter Rituals before and look forward to reflecting on 2023 and setting my intentional word for 2024. This approach works for me. I love the gentle perspective of the year ahead. Enjoy the holidays!
I'd like to thank you for the downloads. I haven't checked them yet, but I will this morning. I really like your thinking around a SLOW January. I've done that before but when I read it in your newsletter I felt a sigh of relief...perhaps knowing I'm not so weird afterall. Thinking about the remainder of this year and setting out some intentions for 2024 raises my anxiety...but that sigh felt good! Thanks.
Hello Nicole...good to connect with you here ♥️ I wanted to say how much I loved the podcast episode on ways to support your nervous system. New ideas (reading up on lymph massages now) and also interesting reinforcement of some things I have always done (not knowing why) to soothe myself. I’m not sleeping well currently due to many factors and I have a book on Kindle on my phone which I have read at least 10 times...it actually kind of irritates me (it’s a memoir) but I also find it fascinating! If I wake as I did last night at 3am I can read for 30 minutes, just dipping in at any point, and I don’t have to think about it or let my mind jump ahead...it reduces my anxiety and quiets my racing heart so I can sleep again. I also love rewatching old shows - Friends, Detectorists, Frasier..even (slightly embarrassing) Little House on the Prairie sometimes! Anyway - thank you for your always great content and your generous spirit in this writing community. It is appreciated. Happy Holidays and enjoy your break ♥️🎄🎉♥️
I hope you start sleeping better soon, and have a wonderful holiday season! Let me know if you end up trying the lymph massage. I've really enjoyed doing it a few nights a week as part of my evening routine.
I too am someone who slows down for winter to be what it is: a time of inner work and physical rest. Thank you for the reminder
Yes to inner work and physical rest!
One of the things I look forward to this time of year comes from the Persephone story. In the Greek myth, she makes the descent into the dark and the underworld at the Autumn Solstice. She stays in the dark until December 22, (the Winter Solstice) when the light begins to lengthen the days. I feel like this myth gives us a template for ritualizing this in our own lives. As such, your article resonated deeply with me. This is my time of year to pull into myself, focus on soul work and nourishing a loving heart. I journal. I embrace solitude and I do my best to slow to the pace of living to the pace of guidance. Love and thanks to you for this beautiful piece -- this reminder of honoring the seasons and our personal mythologies of descent and ascension with thoughtful ritual. Big hugs and big appreciation - Stephanie
oooh love that mythology piece, thanks for sharing! Wishing you a restorative season as you prioritize soul work and a slower pace.
I've used the Winter Rituals before and look forward to reflecting on 2023 and setting my intentional word for 2024. This approach works for me. I love the gentle perspective of the year ahead. Enjoy the holidays!
Glad the bundle has been helpful!
I'd like to thank you for the downloads. I haven't checked them yet, but I will this morning. I really like your thinking around a SLOW January. I've done that before but when I read it in your newsletter I felt a sigh of relief...perhaps knowing I'm not so weird afterall. Thinking about the remainder of this year and setting out some intentions for 2024 raises my anxiety...but that sigh felt good! Thanks.
You're welcome! I hope you find them supportive whenever you have some time to sink in.