Are the stores in your area open longer these days? Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that some stores are open as early as 8am and don’t close until midnight. Yep. Preparation for the holiday rush is upon us. It can be a stressful time for many of us.
But in addition to the rush for gifts and goodies.
Or the plans to gorge on dessert and savory holiday foods. There’s a message of peace and renewal. In fact, winter is approaching. For sure there will be cold and snow and ice in some areas. It’s the time of year that I often long to be a bear. Hibernation for a season would be great!
While I’m not looking forward to cold or snow, what I love about winter is that it marks the return of light. The days begin to get longer. My body, mind and spirit begin to feel the renewal in the air.
This is what I look forward to in winter – the energy that comes from the return of the light. The natural order of the seasons nurtures growth. Even in the midst of the cold, the trees, plants, earth and all beings enjoy the light that lingers a little longer as days pass.
Everyday, we get a little more light. Nature is a brilliant energy manager.
By spring, trees and flowers will bloom showing us that they’ve used the light and energy around them to express the best of themselves. This is their natural order. They remind us of the power of a cycle, a plan that organizes resources so that we can maximize our growth, our flow.
Nature tells us that order is a source of energy for our body, mind and spirit. Here are three easy practices that support renewal and flow in our everyday lives.
Nurture your body – Be aware of your body’s energy needs. Develop a schedule that allows time for eating, sleeping, resting, and moving in ways that keep your body healthy. Right now, I’m participating in a 7-day cleanse and Qigong (it means energy work) practice. The foods I’m eating nurture each of my major organ systems at the deepest energy level. And the Qigong stimulates and gets energy flowing around my body.
Decide what practices work best for you. They may change depending upon your energy needs or other circumstances. Do what works to keep your body feeling vibrant. Take more naps or go for a walk. Remember to listen to your body. Carve out time in each day to fuel your body.
Prioritize and plan – Most of us have multiple responsibilities. Our goals, families, careers, vacations, hobbies, house cleaning, paperwork all demand our attention. Put the power of planning to work. Many of us use our smart phones, calendars and other devices to help us organize activities and create a sense of flow. But here’s what’s equally important. We need to use our thoughts and emotions to help us plan. Worry, nagging thoughts, unsettled feelings are all signals that there’s an issue that needs our attention.
Our thoughts and feelings are our personal alarm system. They point us to an issue that needs our attention. Use your thoughts and feelings to help you problem-solve issues.
Use the Law of Attraction – At the deepest level, our thoughts and beliefs are magnets. Whatever we focus on grows bigger. Both physicists and spiritual teachers agree on this piece of life science. What are you attracting into our life? Form follows thought. This is a great time of year to release the old and cultivate the new. Like leaves falling from the trees, let old thoughts become compost for a new you, a new day in your life. Envision the life you want and attract it to you.
Here’s your Order Power Playlist:
Nurture your body.
Prioritize and plan.
Use the Law of Attraction.
© Sandra Y. Lewis