by Stacy Bremner, MA, RP
Savoring the Last Warm Days
From a Northern Ontario perspective, we just enjoyed a most gorgeous Thanksgiving weekend. Sunday was sunny, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I spent as much time outside as I could, soaking up every bit of it.
Looking ahead at the weather forecast, however, I see dark, rainy, cool days stretching into the distance before the snow eventually arrives. While I genuinely love where I live and appreciate the beauty of changing seasons, I am not one of those people who naturally thrive in months of darkness, cloud cover, and cold temperatures.
I have learned that as the days grow shorter, I need to become even more intentional about my self-care and happiness.
Starting the Day Well
One practice that supports me year-round is my morning meditation. Every day, no matter the season, I take time after waking to lift myself up emotionally. I deliberately focus on gratitude, good feelings, and moments of bliss so that my day gets off to the best start possible.
In the summer, that often happens outdoors on my deck. As the weather changes, the location may change, but the intention does not. Even when I am inside, I can still cultivate feelings of warmth, appreciation, and wellbeing.
Bringing Nature Indoors
Last July, I wrote an anxiety blog that included ways to tap into nature and the four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. We benefit on so many levels when we consciously connect with these elements. Nature has a remarkable way of helping us feel grounded, calm, energized, and restored.
As we spend more time indoors during the colder months, perhaps we can get creative about how we invite these elements into our daily lives.
- Open a window briefly and take a few deep breaths of fresh air. Bundle up and walk outside., even in the rain.
- Enjoy a warm bath or simply pause to appreciate the comfort of water. Linger in the shower.
- Bring plants, stones, flowers, or other earthy reminders of nature into your home.
- Light a candle or enjoy the cozy warmth and glow of a fire. Turn on more lights. Have a sauna on a regular basis.
A Little Inspiration
This morning, I happened upon a short video about the four elements that made me smile and sparked a few ideas. I thought I would share it here in case it inspires you as well:
The Four Elements Video:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YSofz1bKk54?feature=share
Staying Buoyant Through Winter
For me, happiness is not something that simply arrives. Especially during the darker months, it is something I actively nurture. The effort is worth it.
I have learned that when I deliberately seek out moments of gratitude, comfort, beauty, and appreciation, my body responds. A warm feeling, a sense of ease, or a moment of contentment reminds me that wellbeing is available even on the darkest days.
I love where I live. I love the changing seasons. And I also recognize that staying buoyant through the fall and winter requires intention.
So this year, rather than wishing the darker days away, I am choosing to meet them with gratitude, creativity, candles, warm drinks, meditation, movement, and moments of beauty wherever I can find them.
What I noticed the other day is that happiness sometimes grows from the smallest acts of self-care. And in a Northern Ontario winter, those small acts can make all the difference.
I’d love to hear from you. What are your favourite ways to connect with nature once the weather turns? Do you find yourself drawn to one of the four elements more than the others? And what small acts of self-care help you stay buoyant during the darker months?
Perhaps your ideas will inspire someone else, too.
