Winter solstice is a time to find stillness and reflection before moving into the changes that lie ahead in the new year. Change is inevitable. I believe pressing pause allows me to approach my new year with an open heart and open mind. Winter Solstice represents the opportunity to go within – a time of journaling and self reflection- so I may recognize patterns and redirect my energy for the new year.

I begin a few weeks before solstice, intentionally reviewing my journals from years past and congratulating myself on how far I’ve come. I'm reminded of the challenges I’ve overcome AND the moments I've embraced joy. Looking back over the past year allows me to recognize if I've given my time and energy into someone or something that is no longer serving me. I may recognize a one sided relationship or a project I'm no longer passionate about. I make a list of what I've let go of in the past year and I'm excited about the new opportunities and experiences coming my way.

We must consciously choose to pursue what nourishes us, while letting go of what depletes us.

If you need to get away to spend time in self reflection, join us for one of our January retreats. There's something about the silence and beauty of nature on the retreat grounds at this time of year. Things are quiet, as our staff stays home for the holidays, and for me personally, it’s a time to reflect on all the lives that have been touched over the last 12 months at Retreat in the Pines. I’m grateful to be able to offer women a place to find stillness and sanctuary where they can get away for a weekend of rejuvenation and self-care.

I frequently come back to the concept of stillness and the value of taking a pause. If you're short on time, do just that, find a moment of peace and stillness, just for you.

Some of my favorite activities at this time of year:

1. Practice gratitude. Starting a gratitude journal will allow you to find what brings you joy. If you're more visual, snapping a photo everyday of something you're grateful for is an option. This mindful exercise will allow the end of the year to end on a positive note.
2. Spend time in nature. Take a walk. Get outside. Even if there’s no “nature” near you, get outside and breathe fresh air, clear your head, and be alone with your thoughts and reflections for a few minutes.
3. Move your body. Move through a short yoga practice. Take a walk or hike. Ride an indoor bike. Dance. Whatever movement you choose, focus on your breath to clear your head.
4. Meditate. Use a guided meditation or simply focus on your breath or a mantra (such as stillness) allows you to calm your mind so that you may begin the journey of reflection.
5. Sleep better with a Guided Meditation. Yoga Nidra or another guided meditation practiced right before bed will calm your nervous system and slow down the fight or flight response that is so prevalent at this time of year.
6. Notice, What are you doing - are your activities causing anxiety or joy. Who are you spending time with - people who lift you up or people who are critical and negative? What are you telling yourself - words of love or words of negativity? Your voice is usually the loudest of them all.
7. Give yourself permission. A pause from the rush of the holidays and limiting your social obligations so you may spend time with yourself is the exact nourishment that your body, mind and spirit need. This may be the most important of all.

This year, December 21 marks the Winter Solstice, the first day of Winter and the shortest day of the year. The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) – roughly translated as the day that the sun stands still.

We can take our cue from the sun, as we move into winter and the solstice approaches, stillness and time for yourself, is the perfect antidote during a time of year that may feel hectic and overwhelming. You deserve it.