“To get better at wintering,
we need to address our very notion of time.
We tend to imagine that our lives are linear,
but they are in fact cyclical.”
~~ Katherine May
Greetings to all my precious people!!
December has arrived and there is a flurry of activity as the countdown begins to the end of year holidays. In a society driven by constant consumerism, we are often encouraged to do more, buy more, and push endlessly toward productivity. The rhythms of Nature—marked by cycles of growth, rest, and renewal—are largely forgotten in the rush to maintain momentum. Yet Nature gently reminds us of the importance of pause.
The season of planetary retrogrades has also arrived, and it is a busy one! Seven planets—Neptune, Mercury, Mars, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter and Venus—are all making their influences known between now and April 15, 2025. While the term retrograde is often thought of as negative and “bad”, consider this: retrogrades are necessary speed bumps. They are designed to make you pause and focus on the things that require your attention as you work on healing your relationships with people, projects and unattended sorrows. Take note of this concurrent theme, in the Natural cycles of seasons as well as the planetary transitions—the power of the pause is reiterated.
Winter, with its stillness and slower pace, offers us a chance to reclaim the natural rhythm of the season. We are encouraged to step back from the constant drive to acquire and achieve and reflect on what truly nourishes us beyond material gain. Just as fields must lie fallow and quiet to regenerate, so too must we honor periods of rest to restore our vitality.
The season also offers us an opportunity to reconnect with our roots and cherish the memories that shape us. As the world outside slows and quiets, we must find or create space to reflect on where our journey started and how we managed to arrive at this present moment. This is a time to honor traditions, revisit stories from the past, and draw strength from connections and experiences that ground us. Whether gathering with loved ones, reliving cherished moments, or simply sitting in the warmth of your own thoughts, we all have an opportunity to nourish the heart and soul.
Winter also invites us to turn inward and get reacquainted with our true Self—the divine DNA that is uniquely our own. Katherine May, internationally renowned writer, speaker, and podcaster, speaks to the wisdom of Winter in her acclaimed memoir, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat. “Doing those deeply unfashionable things—slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential. This is a crossroads we all know, a moment when you need to shed a skin. If you do, you’ll expose all those painful nerve endings and feel so raw that you’ll need to take care of yourself for a while. If you don’t, then that skin will harden around you.”
The weeks at the end of the year encourage rest, reflection, and renewal—a chance to shed the busyness of the outside world and nurture the stillness within. This is a time to listen to what your body, mind, and spirit truly need, finding warmth in rituals that restore balance and peace. Rest is not idleness; it is essential. It allows us to listen more deeply to our inner voice, foster creativity, and connect with what truly matters. By embracing rest, we step away from the cycle of overconsumption and align with a more sustainable way of living—not just for ourselves, but for our communities and the earth.
As we travel the infinite Path to the Return of the Light at the Solstice on December 21, we are moving into the Mystic. Once you recalibrate your intuition, your instincts, and give yourself up to the chaos and confusion, allow yourself to follow the paths without signposts. The road less traveled contains both meaning and magic, so be alert to the signs, symbols, and synchronicities that glimmer or sparkle. Be watchful for the glimpses of grace and joy as you continue to hold your center in the Present moments. Shift and change can arrive softly and gently—allow the miracles to surround you and support you.
Nurturing Self-Care in Winter
Winter is a season that calls for deep care and gentle attention to our well-being. The colder, darker days invite us to slow down, turn inward, and create rituals that nourish both body and soul. Self-care in winter is about honoring this seasonal shift and meeting your needs with intention and compassion.
Here are a few ways to embrace winter self-care:
- Warm and Nourishing Foods: Incorporate hearty soups, stews, and teas to keep your body warm and your digestion strong. Seasonal spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves can bring comforting heat to your meals.
- Restorative Practices: Allow yourself time for rest and reflection. Practices like meditation, journaling, or gentle stretching can help you stay grounded and calm.
- Warmth and Comfort: Surround yourself with cozy textures, soft lighting, and soothing scents. Winter is the perfect time to create a sanctuary in your home where you can relax and recharge.
- Physical Care: Keep circulation flowing with gentle movement like yoga or walking. Complement this with therapies like acupuncture, massage, or herbal remedies to support immunity and balance energy.
- Connection: While winter encourages introspection, it’s also a time to strengthen bonds. Share meaningful conversations, engage in traditions, or simply enjoy the presence of loved ones.
At Touchstone Acupuncture, we embrace this seasonal shift by supporting you in your journey back to yourself. Through practices that center the mind, body and spirit, we create the space for rest, reflection and renewal. Combining the grounding practice of acupuncture with the harmonizing effects of herbal medicine, we are here to help you feel whole and aligned as you navigate this winter season and discover your innate wisdom.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are some of the tools I use to support the health and wellness of my patients, but the healing that occurs is always prompted from the inside. The answers to health and wellness reside in your heart. Treatment in my healing sanctuary goes beyond the needles—they simply serve to prompt the body to do its own mysterious and miraculous work.
I help people learn how to listen to their body’s wisdom and reconnect the unconscious mind to nurture the mind-body connection. This work allows people to realize their full capacity and choose to live a life aligned with their values, nourished by their dreams and desires. Together, we co-create opportunities for healing as the process unfolds.
I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit. This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality? Commit to being present and living your life with intention. Schedule your consultation today!
