I am Loving This Winter!

Okay, slap me. I know. It's been a crazy cold, snowy, pent-up, nearly every school day is a late-start or cancelled sort-of-month for me too.

Our backyard winter wonderland

But with the snow and ice and cold brings cozy warm moments snuggled up inside with family. The other three seasons for us are just so chalked full with living life to its fullest, most of which is outside of the house.

At the beginning of this year, I was feeling run ragged after being too externally focused for so long by working too many part-time jobs (that I love), while trying to be all I can be for others. So while the sun seems to be taking a hiatus this winter, I decided I was going to be very focused on cultivating my own inner light.

Focusing on reconnecting with my own inner light has been the best thing I could of done for me and my family this winter. 

I know its helped my attitude to stay positive the last dreary month. I have been genuinely loving and embracing the slowing down and the quietness outside. I am loving the time to bond with my kids, get imaginative, get creative and focused on activities. This time of year, my kids always seem to surprise me with how well they get into their own little play zones, and get so creative.

My kids also drive me batty at times. Don't get me wrong.

Laying in the snow

To cultivate my inner light, this last month I have been focusing on getting daily time to myself for meditation, pranayama, yoga or self-reflecting. Along side with a daily physical outlet. Each are so important to me to keep myself in balance.

Journaling has always been a wonderful way for me to know myself more fully, and to connect to my creative side. I mostly stopped when I become a mother. Its nice to go back to this practice. It's so magical how getting my feelings onto paper helps me to heal, process and hopefully move on.

I finally felt strong enough to kick up the physical side a notch. On top of my usual yoga teaching and home practice, I added a bit of cardio, weights, and a 2-3 hot yoga classes a week. The hot yoga especially has helped to get my mental focus, and inner fire back. Welcome home pitta, my old friend. I have been so vatta for too long.

I discovered a few gems this month.

*  A daily "good habit" is easier to maintain than the sporadic habit.

* Good habits overall make you feel good and motivate you to keep going.

* Daily practice doesn't always feel good in the moment.

Most people's image of meditation or yoga is one of total serenity. But to just warn you. The raw truth to the matter is this:

Daily practice can be ugly. Downright ugly.

It can be so hard on you physically and emotionally. It can be heart-wrenching and body breaking. Daily practice can make you feel like a God or Goddess. It may make your feel like your highest self. Other days, it a sad, sloppy pathetic mess. It can be downright impossible or utterly uncomfortable. But change, strength, compassion are a few gifts that can come from letting yourself be open, real and aware.

My health is an ongoing "healing project". It isn't a straight line up. It is jagged, but at least it is up. I keep varying supplements, remedies, cleanses, diet and physical outlets. I've said it before, and I will say it again, my health issues have made me accountable for some lazy habits I picked up, and for that I am thankful.

Looks like February will be another long wintry month. So I hope I can continue to stock the inner fires to keep my mind and body healthy.

Namaste