Winter self care and gratitude

June 2023 Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Ask anyone their favorite season, and the least popular answer is probably going to be winter.

For me personally I have come to love it. I feel it is a time to cherish-there is no rushing. It has become a time of reflection, re-grouping and I become bit of a hermit but a whiz in the kitchen with food and creativity. 

You can have the right winter aesthetic to turn the season of cold into the season of cozy. A winter aesthetic can be described as a cosy and warm feeling that is inspired by winter. Adding elements like candles for soft lighting, warmer fabrics and colours, can really bring Winter into it's own.

For me it's about the scents of Winter and I really get to explore them with fragrances, from florals (spring-like) to cosy yumminess of vanillas and then the depths of woods. Forever creative and evolving scentually. 

There is more time to consider the Earth and my own relation to her. How I impact upon her with my sustainability practices especially during Winter. I regularly cleanse the house with aromatherapy and light candles. Meal planning is actually savoured and not a chore. Food wastage is so minimal and mindful. 

Re-evaluating my self care practices during this time. I ask myself is this still nourishing me? Especially as we become more aware of our Health and wellbeing during the cooler months. As I plant spring and food bulbs I am in a continuous practice of gratitude, thankfulness and love, know Spring is not far away. 

Here in Aotearoa/New Zealand we are blessed with the return of Matariki in the morning skies. Cleansing and blessing the home with practices I have learnt over the years. Giving thanks to my ancestors that have walked the paths before me. Cherishing my own child, surrounded by loved ones. Learning that everything is perspective and during those quiet times of Winter, what am I learning? How am I nourishing myself. 

So Winter can be a explorative time. Learn a new skill, nourish your soul and receive the many blessings for the coming Winter Solstice/Yule and remember the longer sunny days are coming. 

If you have enjoyed reading this and found inspiration please consider shouting me a cuppa here thank you so much!