When I think about winter in my body, I think about going inward. Definitely because it’s cold, but also because wintertime allows us the opportunity to not think about “the outside.” Now, of course I think it’s important to break down the societal constructs of what women’s bodies should look like (i.e., “the outside” I mentioned above). We need to rewrite the false narratives of beauty, and reconnect to our bodies with acceptance and love. However, in the wintertime, I think we should let this be a moment to move into how we feel inside our bodies.

The lessons of winter

Winter is a time of introspection, reflection, and going deep. Plants recede, the sun’s warmth is limited, and the night sky is quiet and bright. Animals hibernate, we celebrate the year, and we rest as we wait for spring to return. It’s a time of shedding old beliefs, letting go of what’s happened in the year, and taking time to recover. The Earth takes time off, and so can we. When you think about how to winter in your body, take the earth’s lessons and cycles and apply them to your own life—because whatever is happening on earth is happening within us.

One of the main tools I’ve used to learn to love my body, was looking at Mother Earth. When I started acknowledging my body presence instead of ignoring it, I was able to work through the negative thoughts when I came face to face with the parts of myself that I didn’t like. For example, my stomach. This practice has served me, and continues to do so! But even with self-love and tools to help us change the way we think about ourselves, I do still think it’s okay to have seasons with our bodies. What do I mean by that? I mean we can choose to direct our attention at certain times in our life to our bodies. For me, the wintertime is not one that I will find myself motivated to come face to face with my stomach insecurities. However, this is a time where I might find myself thinking about how I feel in regards to my stomach. What foods make me feel good? How’s my digestion?

Three ways to winter in your body:

Just like winter, we can turn inwards into our bodies. This allows us to bring attention to things we may miss when we’re busier. Nature slows down, and so can we.

We are in the New Moon Phase of the earth. All is dark, insulated, and hunkered down. The work is done, and we can rest.

1. Explore what feels good on your body. For example: Your favorite fuzzy socks, a cozy blanket, or a delicious scented lotion/oil. Allow yourself to indulge in this practice every chance you get! Notice how it feels, and what it invokes for you. Caring for yourself is a key way to winter in your body.
2. Feel the cold. Winter will teach us if we pay attention, and one of its lesson is: being uncomfortable can be worth it. Wintering in your body can be as simple as feeling the cold on your face; it connects you with fresh air and sunlight which is really good for you and can help with seasonal depression. This allows you to say, “I see you winter and I honor you.” Instead of hiding from winter, embrace the lessons. This helps us connect to ourselves, too.
3. Gentle movement. Another way to winter in your body is to get some gentle movement in. You can go for a walk, stretch in your living room, take a slow yoga class, or slowly roll your hips to a sensual song. This gives you the opportunity to be in your body.

Combine all three and you have a magical potion of embracing winter in your body. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, expensive, or even something other people will notice. Allowing yourself to winter within your sacred vessel is gift enough.

I think it’s also important to note — you don’t have to pay attention to the way you look all of the time. You can let yourself winter in your body this way, too.