“This magnificent refuge is inside you.
Enter. Shatter the darkness that shrouds the doorway…
Be bold. Be humble.
Put away the incense and forget
the incantations they taught you.
Ask no permission from the authorities.
Close your eyes and follow your breath
to the still place that leads to the
invisible path that leads you Home.”
~ St. Theresa of Avila
Greetings to all my precious people!
We are on the brink of a New Year, with all the excitement and anticipation that comes from imagining the changes we can create in the Present and Future times of Life. This is also the ‘in-between’ space—the days after the gatherings, the days before our return to the regular rhythms of work and schedules of our daily life. This place of betwixt and between can be filled with silence and solitude, with creativity, with moments of “suppose and what if” that can spark our imagination and reveal the secrets of our closely held dreams and desires. But we must take the time to sit with our own Self and allow the treasures to unfold.
In the weeks since the Winter Solstice, have you noticed the changes and shifts in the world around you? The Sun is no longer waning but waxing, slowly building up energy and intensity in the Northern Hemisphere. We are in the liminal phase, the in-between moments where the year has passed but we cannot yet feel the warmth of the returning sun. It is the interminable waiting and holding space of the seasons, and also the place of magic and miracles.
This cycle in the calendar parallels a time of conception, when a seed is planted deep in the darkness of a womb. It takes time for that seed to become visible, while a delicate phase of growth and change occurs. When we allow ourselves to tap into the energies of deep Winter, we connect with the rhythm of this season. We can rest, dream, hope, imagine possibilities and relinquish control over all that is beyond our influence.
Winter is a time to reconnect to our creativity, while encouraging incubation and supporting the projects that are still in the dreaming phase. Ideas and intentions are beginning to spark and when the Sun returns to its full force in June 2025, there will be evidence of growth and expansion for your dreams and aspirations.
It is important to honor the cycle of the slow, dark Winter phase. There is value in the state of rest and release; the time of incubation, when we are closed in and closed off so that we might meet ourselves in our natural state. To give ourselves permission to rest, release and to grieve if necessary. It is a time to hope and dream and look forward without needing to take any action right away. Allow ourselves to linger in this liminal place—the time between, not quite one thing, not yet the other—and let ourselves be here, immersed in the medicine of the dark Winter season.
The wise words of Grand Master Nan Lu, the founding director of TCM World Foundation, and my qigong teacher, offer us a new perspective for approaching the New Year of 2025:
To make your thinking Eastern, you must think in a circle. Western thinking is a straight line. We build up our skills at school one step at a time to build up our knowledge.
But Eastern thinking doesn’t say “build up”. It says “circle up”. We circle up again and again. Every time you pass the same point, the level changes. The circle becomes bigger and bigger. You can go this way or that way to the top of the pyramid. But once you reach the top, the master tells you that’s just the beginning. It’s almost like saying every ending is a new beginning. When you look up from the top of the pyramid, the sky is unlimited. Universal energy is unlimited, too. Qigong is the vehicle we use to access our innate gifts. You still need Qi.
So, how can we honor the pause of the Winter season and embrace stillness and detachment as we lean into the idea of circling up? Consider practicing a bit of easy qigong. This short video of 3 Best Qigong Exercises for Beginners with Lee Holden is a great way to start 2025.
Practical considerations for building a strong foundation for the New Year:
Create intentional moments of quiet by reducing screen time and distractions. Reflect on the year gone by, asking the questions for journaling:
- What are my values? What is important to me: family, health, service, etc.
- What did I tolerate in 2024 that is no longer acceptable?
- How did I contribute to decisions about my health, wealth, and relationships?
- Did I trade my deepest desires for temporary comfort—and how did that make me feel?
- Am I ready to trust my potential and ability to create the life of my dreams?
- What lessons have I learned in the past that will support my new choices?
Prioritize rest and sleep, allowing the body to restore its energy.
- Incorporate practices like yoga nidra or guided meditation to support deep relaxation. Brain.FM is one of my favorite options for relaxation music.
- Redefine “being busy.” In fact, BUSY is a Four Letter Word!—a brilliant new book just released—check it out!
- Evaluate your commitments. What can be delayed or simplified?
- Practice saying “no” to preserve space for yourself.
Detoxify, declutter and cleanse your body as well as your living space.
- Choose light, nourishing foods like soups, broths, and seasonal produce to support digestion.
- Stay hydrated! The indoor environment is quite dry and low in humidity.
- Incorporate herbal teas with dandelion or ginger to promote natural detoxification.
- Engage in gentle movement like walking or stretching to stimulate circulation.
- Declutter physical spaces as a symbolic release of the past year.
- Burn sage, light candles, or use essential oils to create a sense of renewal in your environment.
Focus on what is Essential.
- Reflect on what no longer serves you—habits, relationships, or routines—and consider releasing them with gratitude.
- Practice minimalism in thought and action, focusing only on what brings value to your life.
- Spend time in nature, even in its dormant state, to mirror its stillness and resilience.
- Practice gratitude for the essentials in your life: health, home, and loved ones.
Winter is not just a season to endure but one to cherish for the gifts of stillness and clarity. By embracing the quiet rhythms, we can align ourselves with the wisdom of Nature and prepare for the vibrant growth of Spring.
The cold weather of Winter calls for warm, nourishing, and seasonal foods to support your health and well-being. Here are some ideas for the best foods to focus on:
Seasonal Vegetables
Winter vegetables are packed with nutrients and ideal for hearty meals. Look for:
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, and rutabagas.
- Squashes: Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard thrive in winter and are nutrient-dense.
- Brassicas: Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are high in antioxidants.
Warm, Nourishing Soups and Stews
Prepare soups and stews with a mix of root vegetables, legumes, and warming spices. Incorporate:
- Bone Broth: A nutrient-rich base that supports immunity and gut health.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans for protein and fiber.
- Grains: Barley, quinoa, and farro add a satisfying texture and keep you full longer.
Warming Spices
Spices not only add flavor but also support circulation and digestion:
- Ginger: Add to teas, soups, or stir-fries to boost warmth and immunity.
- Cinnamon: Great in oatmeal, teas, or baked goods to stabilize blood sugar.
- Turmeric: Use in curries or golden milk for anti-inflammatory benefits.
Protein-Rich Foods
Focus on high-quality protein to sustain energy levels:
- Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines for omega-3s and heart health.
- Lean Meats: Turkey and chicken provide clean protein.
- Plant-Based Options: Tofu, tempeh, and nuts for variety.
Fermented Foods
To keep your gut healthy during the colder months:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Miso
Citrus Fruits
Citrus is abundant in winter and provides immune-boosting vitamin C:
- Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes.
- Add to water, teas, or dressings for a refreshing twist.
Herbal Teas and Hydration
Stay hydrated while warming your body:
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, or dandelion for detox and relaxation.
- Warm Water with Lemon: A simple way to kickstart digestion in the morning.
Nuts and Seeds
These are great for snacking or adding to meals:
- Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in magnesium and zinc.
- Almonds: Great for a protein boost.
Sample Winter-Friendly Meal Ideas
- Breakfast: Steel-cut oats topped with cinnamon, walnuts, and orange slices.
- Lunch: A hearty lentil and kale soup with a side of sourdough bread.
- Dinner: Roasted root vegetable medley with a baked salmon fillet and quinoa.
- Snacks: A handful of almonds or a slice of dark chocolate with herbal tea.
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!
