New Year - Same Me.
Every year there’s this palpable tension as we barrel towards the new year - a pressure to change. We’re compelled to buy into this idea that a new year should by default = a new us. But is the darkest deepest depths of the winter season the right moment to radically change our lives?
Personally, I believe if you want to change something in your life, particularly if it’s making you unhappy you should change it as soon as possible. Get your ducks in a row and go for it. No matter when. Why wait for happiness? Although not always easy to do (and always easy to say) I think the bravery it takes to change something in your life is commendable and your future self will thank you for it.
New year,
same ME.
However, on an energetic level the pits of winter is not the right time really for these bigs shifts. The world is in hibernation, look at the trees - the leaves fall away, they waste no energy on the unnecessary and they turn inwards, keeping themselves going until they start to bud in the spring. I see resolutions and lifestyle the same way; keep yourself going, withdraw and turn inwards and when the darkness starts to recede then we can emerge like the flowers and blossom. As Lao Tzu once said; “nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”.
By no means am I saying you should become a recluse in the winter time but this season is when we need to take the MOST care of ourselves. In Yin yoga practice we see the winter season as as time where we honour rest to build resilience and vitality. This in many ways is a contrast to the festive season, which can feel particularly busy and chaotic as we juggle all that Christmas throws our way.
Some nourishing and slow practices I am incorporating into my winter season;
Restorative Yoga Practice in a hot room at least once a week
Hot beverage as soon as I wake up to help boost digestion
Lumie Light therapy on dark days to help my circadian rhythm
Steam and air purifier in bedroom to lubricate my vocal chords and keep my throat healthy
Compression socks to keep my feet warmer and help promote circulation in the cold
So as we approach the new year, I can confidently say that as January 1st 2026 starts I will be happy being the same as I was on December 31st 2025.
Love,
R x
