As we are now nearing the shortest day and longest night, the time of cold, darkness, bare trees, lots of water, rain and damp, it’s a good time to follow what we see in nature, in the plants and animals and to nourish ourselves and rest well. Here’s a one of my favorite sleeping/resting tips I find helpful to remember at this time of year…
It’s winter, the time of extreme yin …. And for sleep this means going to bed early and getting up late!
“What?! Really??!” you may say? Yes! Exactly that! 🙂
When I first learned of this through qigong and Chinese medicine (wisdom from the Huang Di Nei Jing 黃帝內經), I felt my whole body relax. I knew this and know this! It’s in our bones and DNA. Winter is a time to rest. Yet our culture is one of extreme Yang – of “go, go go”! It is the energy of full summer, BUT living that way year round is neither healthy and nor sustainable. It drains our Qi, our Essence and robs us of our vitality – individually and in our ecosystems.
In the time of Extreme Yin (Tai Yin 太阴), we must nourish our yin so that yang can begin birthing forth in the early spring. Those who don’t nourish their Yin, their Yang will be weak, and they’ll be more prone to injury and illness. This time of Tai Yin is a special time to rest, rejuvenate, reflect so we build and have the energy, inspiration and nourishment to grow in the spring and blossom in the summer.
The Nourishing Life Way as a Mama
I find in being my son, Orion’s Mama, he helps me stay true to my inner calling and desire to live more fully, more simply and to deepen in my living in harmony with Nature—allowing Nature and my inner rhythms to breathe together and inform each other. As Orion’s main source of nourishment (through my milk – he LOVES to nurse and to cuddle and be held and kissed by his Mama!! :)) – and as his main source of comfort, he comes to me many times a day and night to connect literally and spiritually. We are of the same body – two spirits and souls united, and in this connecting, we rest together. Mamahood has many demands, but this period is also steeped in deep Yin nourishment, just what Orion and I and our Earth need and desire in this time of year.
