It’s that time of year again – the dark time. As the days in the northern hemisphere get shorter and your find yourself going to work in the dark and returning home to darkness, you can’t help but feel the intense contrast to those warm summer days. Each of us feels it differently. For me it’s predominantly frustration with a tinge of grief because I adore the summer season. For others, the shorter days may bring weight gain, carb cravings, difficulty waking up in the morning, sleep problems and more noticable aches and pains. At worst, these symptoms bring a real fear that depression is returning and joy may become lost in this darkness. I noticed that so many of my clients are speaking up about reacting to the dark season this past week – more than any other time since I started coaching. I realize there are probably many more who are silently suffering.
There is no single way to get through this season in a totally positive state of mind, however I will offer a few ideas I use myself and recommend to my clients.
1. Get in touch with the feelings and physical sensations. Figure out what it is that you feel. Admit the signs and symptoms, then journal about them to clarify what it is that doesn’t feel good. Is it fear, tension, pain, grief, jealousy, sadness, frustration or guilt? If you don’t know, guess what the source of discomfort may be. What is it about the shorter days, holiday time or the winter weather that really gets to you?
2. Move your body anyway. Exercise is one of the best ways to get some of those happy neurotransmitters moving through your body. Take a brisk walk outside, join a new exercise class or use your indoor equipment while watching an uplifting movie or TV show. You’ll be burning calories and supporting your health in a positive way. Do it even if you don’t feel up to it, then journal about how you feel after your workout. Did it help?
3. Pay attention to the light around you. Take time to deliberately see the lights, colors, natural beauty and holiday decorations around you. Notice when the sun peeks through the clouds and reflects off surfaces and ice. See how light reflects everywhere, even when the sun is not visible. Feel the light that radiates through people as they say kind words and offer their help. Recognize what is already around you and choose to see more of it. Invite more light into your world and ask for divine help to attract light.
4. Cuddle up Indoors with a Worthy Project This is a wonderful time of year to stay inside – light candles, make soup, wrap gifts or tackle an indoor project. Maybe you enjoy crafting or jewelry making? Perhaps there is a room that could use a new coat of paint.
Could you benefit by clearing clutter and donating a few things to a charitable cause? Put on your favorite album or CD for background and just do it!
5. Boost your energy with affirmations and EFT Remember that every negative thought and emotion you have has an opposite affirmation. We can choose to shift our thoughts and awareness to something lighter and better, if only we remember to do so. Develop a list of positive affirmations to speak out loud as you begin each day. Better yet, tap on your EFT treatment points as you say these statements aloud so that the light is integrated into your energy field. Here are a few statements I enjoy using:
I connect effortlessly to a source of infinite energy
I actively ask for stamina, and receive it!
My body responds well to positive suggestions
I notice even the smallest sparkles of light in the midst of darkness
I celebrate each glistening point of light and absorb it into my body for healing
I am able to imagine a bright, sunny day and put myself there whenever I so choose.
I create active, effortless days.
I celebrate restful, restorative sleep every night, without exception
I am patient, loving and nurturing toward myself at all times.
I pay attention to subtle body sensations and my emotions to direct my choices
I am full of infinite, loving energy
