Last night we had a wonderful Remote Wellness Circle with some of the SHINE members. It was so special to get to meet face to face and in real time! I can’t wait to do it again. One concept that we discussed was the issue of winter energy balance and how we can approach, protect, and encourage awareness of energy in this quieter/darker season.
Our discussion mainly focused around how winter is Kapha season, and Kapha also is representative of Earth and the 1st Chakra. Both Chakras and Doshas can be thrown out of balance in either direction. We often think of blockages and energy as being "too much" in one direction. But here we talked about how both too little or too much energy would be out of balance for both Kapha and the 1st chakra.
In winter, we have a tendency to do too little or too much and we are more sensitive to this especially if we have a Kapha Dosha and if we are in Motherhood ( a Kapha season of life, especially with young children).
When we look at our winter energy levels and our activity, we should keep in mind that what is restful or active in winter is different than in summer.
REST ACTIVE
WINTER snuggling, reading, Walks in the woods
baking, drawing, dreaming, Skiing, Skating,
knitting, "no plans" small diner parties
SUMMER Paddling, boating, swiming Planning/ hosting big party
finishing, photography, hiking trips to new places
gardening late nights out, concerts, dances,
festivals, fairs
Notice, it is not that winter is not active, but the energy of these activities is quieter. In summer, that same energy is what we look for in rest and our activities are louder and more social, more complex.
In general, I think it is best to turn to these concepts when you feel an imbalance. Look things over, know what resources are available, and keep them tucked away. It is easier to recognize the patterns when they are placed in the relevant context of your life.