The “Womb” of Winter
As the seasons shift into Winter, we are reminded biologically to come "inside" to connect with ourselves — with a little less light, with a little more stillness, and perhaps (if we choose to) a lot more space.
Within Taoism, we are reminded to return to the "Source" or the "Tao", the undertone of direction and life-force animating our every move. Within Ayurveda, we are invited to nourish, fortify and restore the body, the vehicle that allows us to experience all of the sweet and sour fruits of this life. Within Celtic Tradition, the Winter is viewed as the "Womb" of the year where we get to gestate and process all that has gone unprocessed so that we can return renewed into the first days of Spring once again.
It's a time to reflect.
It's a time to process.
It's a time to die.
It's a time to nourish.
It's a time to renew.
Sometimes for myself, I look at this time through the lens of music— where all other months have been a time where my unique and authentic internal song has been played in tandem with so many other songs through the late summer nights out, the busyness of the holiday season, the events, responsibilities, and projects that have made up so much of the year.
Yet in winter, my song is played in the stillness of my own home, the silence of my own room, and the darkness of the shortened winter days where the rhythm becomes clearer, the notes become sharper, the chorus feels more connected, and my song begins to play with deeper coherence and harmony overall.
Tuning my guitar in private after a year of playing it live.
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An opportunity to tune your guitar.
An opportunity to embrace winter.
In the coziness of your own space, in your own time, and in your own unique way I share this practice with you below:
1. Connect with your Core Self through your desired form of decompression and connection. (including breathwork, meditation, yoga, dancing, or a simple walk in nature)
2. Answer these reflection questions on a fresh page in your journal with healing background music, on that walk in nature, or in the warmth of your own car parked by your favorite beach.
Self
• When have I felt most alive within myself this past year— most "me"?
• What has pulled me away from mySelf this year?
Nourishment
• What has genuinely nourished me this year?
• What would my system like more of going forward this season?
Processing
• What moments, emotions, or experiences remain unprocessed from this year?
• How can I honor myself and process this excess weight, healthily?
Support
• How can I best support myself this Winter season?
3. Provide yourself the nourishment your system asks for and the needs your Core Self asks to have met so that you may show up with power, ease, and integrity.
4. Enjoy the natural fruits of your time spent resting with community, friends, and family.
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As you answer these really small and not heavy hitting questions (HAH!)— give yourself the blessing of space, time, and compassion in allowing them to settle. So that they may speak to you in their own words as the months go on and the time in solitude is honored.
I remind you that you are one of the many in this community taking the time to read this, consider this, and practice this— and so although you may think or feel that you are alone in your solitude.. you are not.
A practice that will allow our gardens to grow abundantly come Spring.
I can't wait to rock out with you. Happy tuning.
So many blessings.
Your friend and coach,
Marcello F. LaGreca
Let's Evolve Together 🤍❄️
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