Winter Greetings, Full Moon (Eclipse Day) Blessings & Happy Friday
Just this week I felt the shift, the days gaining on the nights. While we have cold months ahead, the wheel of the year turns on. As it does, we have the opportunity to lean into the teachings of winter. Winter light, winter magic, the crystalline energy of full moons glistening over snow (tonight is the first full moon of 2020, the Wolf Moon, and a lunar eclipse), and quartz crystals glimmering in the morning light. Leaning into the silence. Silence is such a rarity these days, with the constant barrage of news and push for activity. There is so much to stand for, speak about and do. It is in the balance of doing and silence that we find the ripe seeds of what we seek to bring forward in the coming months and years.
As we enter the 20’s may we all roar for what we believe in and breathe fire into our hopes, dreams and goals. The cultural construct encourages this in a very active/yang way with new year’s resolutions and new starts. I encourage you to listen deeply to your own voice about what you need right now, in this season for tending and stoking the inner flame. There can be an element of exhaustion that follows the holiday season, and some fog clearing that has to happen as we move back into our normal rhythms. For some, there is relief to get back to it and others may feel let down or depressed now that the excitement of the holidays is over.This is an invitation to slow down and listen to what you need most before hurtling full force ahead.
This is the perfect season for making your living space into a haven of coziness and light. You can create your own sanctuary, using the concept of “hygge” which hails from Scandinavia where winters are long and dark and there is a whole lifestyle based on embracing the season. I have healed my dread of winter over the last decade by lighting candles, enjoying brisk walks in the cold and making sure to have lots of warm blankets around. It wasn’t until recently that I learned about hygge and have loved this new source of inspiration. Imagine a way of being that embraces winter as the season to balance time in nature with naps and good books!
One way to embrace the season is through the aromas you bring into your living space. Here is a potpourri recipe that could easily double as a tea recipe (with some slight modifications) if your ingredients are wild or organic. This is great for making the most of your Christmas tree if you have one. If not, it would be wonderful to go out for a walk and forage some small evergreen branches. Read on for the recipe!
In this Newsletter you’ll find:
I. Recipe for Tree Potpourri
II. Seasonal Health Tips
III. Trends in my Practice
IV. Events & Education
Tree Potpourri
1 cup of fresh cranberries (if making tea substitute for 1/4 cup dried rosehips)
1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
A few pinches of cloves
A couple of slices of orange or lemon (I dehydrated slices of orange with a clove in the center to use instead of the two separately. They make great decorations too!)
A handful of sprigs from your Christmas tree (if making tea use pine, white pine can easily be foraged and is very high in Vitamin C)
Directions:
Put your ingredients in your favorite small pot and pour 3 cups of water over them. Simmer on low heat for about 1/2 hour if drinking, and as long as there is water in the pot if it’s potpourri. As a tea, cinnamon sticks, rosehips and pine needles provide healthy amounts of Vitamin C. Either way, enjoy the delicious aroma!
Seasonal Health Tips
Many people are low on vitamin D right now, so it is a supplement to consider adding into your routine. I like to take a complete omega supplement with added vitamin D. Besides that, I wouldn’t be without vitamin C or elderberry syrup in my cabinet between October and April. Elderberry syrup, vitamin C, rest and fluids are the simplest and most effective flu and virus remedies. Get some true sunshine, and movement early in the day to encourage healthy levels of cortisol so that you have energy for the day and can sleep at night.
Trends in my Practice
I have been working with a lot of people to address gut imbalances, both in New Paltz (at Dreamkeeper Farm) and in Manhattan (at the Iris Kaplan Center). Often there is a triad of digestive issues, allergies and anxiety. By addressing food sensitivities and getting clarity around what is causing inflammation, we are able to move into the important stages of gut healing. All the while, I am there helping with resources and guidance, including the herbs that can help allay anxiety. Food is a very important resource and people’s relationship with food is a fundamental element of health. I believe strongly in finding joy in this relationship and helping people to regain that pleasure.
Events & Education
We had a fun and informative visit from 7Song, of Northeast School of Botanical Medicine last month. It is a pleasure to fill the workshop space with people, and getting to join in the learning. He’ll be back on April 18th to offer another class. We’d love your input on the topic, just send me a note with your thoughts..
Have a beautiful full moon Friday. I hope you can take some inspiration from these two and carve out time for a restorative nap (or two) this weekend!
Love,
