Written by Julie Festa, L.Ac.
The winter's solstice was upon us this year on December 21st. It is the shortest day of the year, the end of one planetary year, the beginning of a new one, and the official beginning of winter. Winter a season of reflection, and it is ruled by the Water element. It is also a time of consolidation and storage. We warm and store the yang energies deep within the body while the outer body cools. The way to harmonization with winter's energies is to embody our more yin qualities. We can do this by becoming more receptive, introspective, and storage-oriented. It is a good time to rest, to meditate deeply, and to store physical energy while staying active enough to keep the spine and joints flexible.