Wintering: Rest, Not Guilt ❄️🧘‍♀️

This morning, I set off with the best intentions. Body Combat was booked for 10:30, and I was ready to move, sweat, and start my day on the “right” note. Except that didn’t happen. Instead, I found myself driving through McDonald’s for a breakfast. 🍔☕

On the journey home, the familiar voice of self-criticism crept in. “Why didn’t you go to the gym? You were supposed to be productive today!” I began to spiral into that cycle of guilt and self-blame. But then something shifted. I paused and thought: Hang on, I’m wintering. ❄️💭

What is Wintering?

Wintering isn’t just about the literal season of winter – though the cold, dark days definitely set the tone. 🌨️🕯️ It’s about a time of rest, retreat, and slowing down. Life moves in cycles, and just as the earth needs time to pause and recharge in winter, so do we. 🌎💤

Today, I’ve got a sore throat, a cold 🤧, and a body that’s clearly asking for some TLC. Yet my first reaction was to fight it. I tried to push through, forcing myself to meet unrealistic expectations because we’re so conditioned to think we should always be doing more.

But what if we embraced rest instead? What if we actually listened to our bodies and honoured what they need? 🌿💙

The Importance of Ahimsa

As I reflected, I realised something: even without movement, I’m still practising yoga. 🧘‍♀️ At its heart, yoga isn’t about poses or exercise – it’s a philosophy, a way of life. One of its core principles is ahimsa, or non-violence. 🌟

Ahimsa isn’t just about how we treat others; it’s about how we treat ourselves too. When I choose rest over self-criticism, or comfort over pushing through, I’m practising ahimsa. By not punishing myself for what I didn’t do, I’m choosing kindness. 💞

Wintering can be an act of yoga – a time to honour our needs, show ourselves compassion, and let go of guilt. 🕊️

How Yoga Can Help During Winter

On days like today, I lean into the gentler aspects of yoga. Yoga isn’t always about movement. Sometimes, it’s about taking a moment to connect with your breath, to sit in stillness, or to practise mindfulness. 🌬️✨

Restorative yoga is perfect for these wintery days. Even five minutes in a supported pose, like child’s pose or legs-up-the-wall, can bring comfort. 🛏️🕯️ A short meditation, lying down with blankets and soft music, can help ground you. 🎶🧘 And if you don’t move at all, that’s okay too – just reminding yourself to approach the day with kindness is enough.

Yoga is about being present with yourself, however that looks today. 🌸🙏

Choosing Compassion

So, I’m choosing not to be hard on myself. 💖 I’m reminding myself that winter is a season of rest, not punishment. If all I manage today is a shower and some deep breaths, that’s more than enough. 🚿🌬️

We don’t need to earn our rest, and we certainly don’t need to feel guilty about taking it. Rest is a vital part of growth, just like winter is a vital part of the year. 🌱❄️

Embrace Your Winter

If you’re also feeling the pull to slow down, to take it easy, or to retreat for a while, let this be your reminder: it’s okay. 💭 Give yourself permission to winter. Whether that means skipping the gym, eating a comforting meal 🍲, or simply practising ahimsa by showing yourself kindness, it’s all part of the process.

There’s a time for action, but there’s also a time for rest. Trust that this quieter season has its purpose. 🌟

Winter is for rest, not guilt – and every moment of self-kindness is a practice of yoga. 🙏💙