How to be in harmony with the dark
Harmony:
noun
An orderly or pleasing combination of elements in a whole.
A relationship in which various components exist together without destroying one another.
A relationship characterized by a lack of conflict or by agreement, as of opinion or interest.
Well, let’s be honest, it’s dark out.
It’s cold out too.
I was thankful to be on a zoom meeting with some parents from my son’s school recently as we labored together through a meeting.
The best part of the meeting? Folks were given the opportunity to share what’s been nurturing them through the darkness of winter.
I’m sharing this in hopes that you will love these ideas as much as I did. And be inspired to find a way to be harmonious with the dark as opposed to fighting it or dreading it, or complaining about it (as I have been guilty of).
Here’s what came up:
Reach out and call friends and family.
Cook and then have a dance party.
Go to bed early.
Check-in with friends.
Slow down.
Light candles have fires.
Practice the 4-7-8 breathing exercise (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8). Oh man, do this ONCE and you’ll feel a difference.
Enjoy lots of coffee and cats.
Do some yoga. This woman specified doing yoga online with a dear friend who had moved away (which I thought was so lovely)
Go to the Russian Jack greenhouse aka Mann Leiser Greenhouse (or if you’re outside Anchorage, your local botanical garden greenhouse - most larger cities have them!)
Journal about feelings and observations (Here’s what I journal about every night: I start with 3 good things from the day, then give appreciation to people in my life - starting with myself. I literally write out: I appreciate myself for….. OR I appreciate my husband for…..
Get outside in the light.
Walk.
Run.
Get your nails done.
Find a place in the woods to sit and draw and write.
Meditate and write. I have a daily practice of a 10-15 minute meditation and 10-15 minutes of journalingl. It’s amazing and I’m sharing my exact practice HERE.
Until then, comment below to tell us how YOU get through the winter in harmony with the dark and cold.