Written by Brooke Mellen, Founder of Cultured Forest
Traditionally, Winter Solstice has been a time in many cultures to celebrate Fall’s bounty and rest in preparation for the labor required to plant and harvest in the season’s ahead. As we become a bit disconnected from Nature in contemporary living, we stop paying attention to the seasons and drive forward full steam for the entire year. Listen to your body this Winter and take a bit of time for reflection and regeneration. Be like a seed resting cozy in the Earth gathering energy to bloom in Spring. Enjoy this guide from Cultured Forest with tips for well-being and journaling prompts for this winter season.
During Winter Solstice in celebrating Yule, Scandinavians will adorn their homes with green plants and burn the Yule log for good luck for next year’s harvest. The Danes embrace the concept of Hygge, and make their indoors nice and cozy since their winter daylight hours are significantly shorter. On Shab-e Yalda in Iran, they enjoy Pomegranates as a symbol of fertility, light and goodness on the darkest night.
In Japan, many observe Tōji and enjoy a yuzu bath, also known as a yuzuyu (柚子湯), a bathing tradition that is celebrated on the winter solstice. Yuzu fruits, citrus fruit of East Asian origin known for their characteristically strong aroma and the fragrant oil from their skin (nomilin), are floated in the hot water of the bath, releasing their aroma. The fruit may also be floated cut in half, allowing the citrus juice to mingle with the bathwater and color it yellow-orange, or enclosed in a cloth bag. Alternatively, yuzu-scented bath salts are used. Yuzu baths are believed to guard against colds, treat the roughness of skin, warm the body, and relax the mind. (Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuzu_bath)
Whatever your tradition, we hope you enjoy the bounty of the Winter season and Solstice. Here are a few ideas for how to make the most of the Winter and do a bit of indoor Nature Therapy to fortify you for the season:
Take a “Signs of Life” Forest Bathing walk, looking for those animals or plants in Nature that are still thriving. Look for buds, green grass, animals or mushrooms.
Simmer orange slices on the stove with clove, cinnamon and and a bit of water or apple juice for a nice warming aroma in your home.
Bring in the green! Decorate your home with pine and other green plants to brighten the mood.
Light some fire! Turn out the lights and light some candles or turn on some twinkle lights.
Diffuse citrusy essential oils to boost mood and energy.
Get that bonfire going! If you have a fireplace or fire pit, light up some logs to observe the Yule tradition of burning a log until it runs out for good luck in the coming season.
Take a yuzu scented bath in the Japanese tradition of observing Toji
Winter is also the ideal time for reflection and contemplation. Dedicate some time to sit back and experiment with these Nature Inspired Journaling Prompts to wake up your creativity:
Winter is a time of regeneration for plants and animals. What would help you feel rested and regenerated right now?
Light a candle, and look into the flame for five minutes. Close your eyes and focus on the shadow of the flame behind your eyelids until it disappears. When ready, open your eyes, get reacquainted with your surroundings and write down the first 10 words that come to you. Do this spark any ideas?
Think of 5 unique ways to describe how snowfall covers the ground. You can use this prompt: “The snow covered the Earth like: <fill in the blank>
Close your eyes and imagine a Winter scene. Think of what you would see, feel, hear and smell. When ready, write about what you pictured, describing every detail.
Diffuse essential oils or a scented candle and take at least two minutes to relax and simply focus on the scent. What memories, thoughts or feelings does it inspire in you? Write it down.
Contemplate fire. Imagine the heat and movement of the flames. Imagine a fire like this growing from the center of your heart onto your writing page. What ideas or dreams are within you like a slow burn ready to come forth?
Consider the seeds currently lying under the frozen earth, waiting for the Spring. What does this thought bring up for you? Is there any part of you that is also resting, waiting for the right moment to blossom? How can you nourish that side of yourself?
We hope this guide will assist you in finding a bit of hope and well-being during the winter months. Setting aside time for self-care will make a world of difference. Happy Solstice!
