Photo courtesy of Present Moment Retreat Center
Dear ones,
The cooler, overcast days of autumn have arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Winter is coming... and I'm daydreaming of that beach above in Mexico.
When I first moved to Seattle, I discovered that at this higher latitude, I struggle with something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the dark winter months. I reject the term "disorder" as it simply feels like my biology is sending me a clear message that it loves sunshine and I have to consciously set myself up for success when the dimmer, shorter days arrive.
I've pulled out my therapy light and my beloved wool slippers (which make my feet look a lot like baked potatoes!).
I've strategically upped my vitamin D dosage.
I've bought ALL the tea. :)
For the past 2 weeks, upon waking, I draw open my bedroom curtains to gaze with pure delight upon the glorious, florescent red maple just outside the window.
On Mondays, I set the intention (and pre-register) for all my gym workouts for the week.
I schedule walks and dates with friends.
I seek out Nature. Last weekend, my partner and I hiked up into the Cascades to see the larches around Mt Stuart.
We've lit the pilot on our gas fireplace, which makes our living room so warm and cozy.
On our deck, I harvest our last peppers of the season and check on "our" most success female cross orb weaver. She's grow enormous, her body easily the size of my thumbnail; soon she will leave the web to hide her egg sac somewhere safe.
I create lovely things to look forward to. Yes, even this yoga teacher – who teaches presence at every opportunity – finds this practice immensely helpful for her psyche.
So, I take out my calendar and journal, and generate future possibilities: for yoga offerings, holidays, continuing education, and vacations.
There is SO much I'm looking forward to these coming months. Looking over everything, I see lots of opportunities for heart tending, deep rest, quietude, healing, and community – something many of us have been lacking this past year and a half. I hope you will read on – and consider joining me! I would love to hold space for – and look forward with – YOU!
Speaking of which, I've been getting a lot of questions about the March retreat in Mexico(!!!), so I've taken some time to answer some of them below.
With love,
Nicole