(blog post from the week of 12/21/2017) Greetings! As I sit down to write this, snow covers the ground, the thermometer reads 26 degrees & Portland Harbor is lit up like a Christmas tree with a boat parade! Sailboats, lobster boats, tugs & more are all strung with twinkling holiday lights. A very festive & colorful tug is sending fireworks off it’s stern, illuminating the night. It’s incredible! We encounter the Winter Solstice today! These shortest days of the year can make it hard to stay motivated or to want to leave the house. But, that’s okay. Nature is literally telling us to slow down, hibernate, observe, rest, replenish.Go with it. Winterize. While the Earth takes it’s turn toward the Sun again, we’ll be stepping deeper into Winter. Meaning, we still get the chance to practice that delicate dance of going inward. We get to reflect more yin like qualities in our routines, while ever so slowly welcoming the return of the Sun. These brightly lit boats remind me of that. Light will eventually balance the darkness. This opportunity to slow down is a gift. Consider our culture, society, schedules with all their draining demands… it’s all go, all the time. Guess what happens when you’re on “go mode” 24/7 & don’t stop to reflect, rest & reset? Like one of those fireworks… you burn out & crash head first into the ground. Be content with decelerating. Be grateful for it. Be quiet, listen, reflect, meditate, add a little restorative or yin yoga to your routine. You might be intrigued at what you uncover when you actually allow yourself to turn inward. In doing so, this subtle act of receptivity supports your ability to envision fresh goals, intentions, wishes for the year ahead. Embrace the season. It’s rooting for you. Happy Winterizing!