In a Moment - Issue 15

With this recent cold snap, I found myself turning to hibernative (not sure if this is really a word) behaviors. Ya know the ones -- layers of blankets, scarves, sweaters, legwarmers. Cozying up with tea, pups and crossword puzzles.

Turning in.

Getting quiet.

But it didn't feel quite right.

I felt unsettled.

I felt uncomfortable.

And then it struck me when reflecting with a friend, I'm not ready to hibernate. I'm still feeling deeply into this season of shedding, of letting go, of sloughing off the unnecessary layers. The preparations I need to make before turning in and tuning in to the depths of winter. This early cold snap awoke me to some of the work I still need to do of release.

Sometimes letting go feels good. It's energizing and inspiring. At other times, it can feel heavy, sad, difficult even. This week I explored a few rituals to help ease some of the discomforts that can accompany the work of letting go.

Sugar scrubs (1 cup of brown sugar, a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil, a few drops of essential oils -- I used rose & rose geranium for a little extra sweetness. Mix all the ingredients and use them in a shower.) As I scrubbed, I focused on gently exfoliating the layers that I don't need right now.

Clearing out drawers of those single socks that had long lost their partner, cleaning in corners and crevices to remove dust, organizing the freezer!

Yoga, especially Yin postures that I hold a bit longer, settling into the pose and watching as muscles soften and release.

If you've been feeling a bit of unrest lately, perhaps explore what are the things in your life that you could loosen your grip on, to invite a bit more ease or release?

And what practices might meet that release with a bit of compassion?