The End of Winter

A sunrise over a pond with barren trees in the foreground

The last month of winter can often feel the hardest. It's at this point we feel tired of the cold and long for the sun. We feel so close to the splendor of color and activity of spring, that our impatience can drive us a bit mad. And it is true that things are ever so slowly turning towards awakening, but it is a slow process. The snow may melt this week and the next week we may be blanketed once again. We take two steps forward and one step backward.

The lesson that can be bestowed at this time is to be fully present in the time we are currently in. Soon enough the sun will return and with it a surge of activity. We may at that time long for quiet and rest. Rather than lamenting what the current season does not bring us, let us savor every last drop of what it does.

This last month of winter is a ripe time for stirring our dreams. Much like how it seems we have our most vivid dreaming in the last hour of sleep, we can spin up the most wonderful visions for our year in the last month of our winter. With the long stretch of introspective dark behind us and the tantalization of bursting anew ahead, we can dream of what our life can be like if we are true to ourselves.

Here are some journal prompts to help fuel your dreams:

• What have you learned about yourself this winter?

• What seeds that dropped in the fall feel strong and ready to sprout this spring?

• What seeds are better left behind?

Ritual Ideas for the End of Winter

1. Create a dream routine. Drink mugwort tea (NOTE: mugwort is not safe for pregnancy, always check with your doctor before taking herbs regardless of pregnancy status) in the evening to fuel your dreams. Draw a bath and bring yourself into deep relaxation. Before you go to sleep, set an intention or ask a question. Set a notepad and pen by your bed side. When you wake up, immediately write down anything you can recall. Revisit these dreams journal entries throughout the month.

2. Identify one thing you can do to slow yourself down everyday. Ideally, if there's anything that comes up where you think "I don't have time for that", that is the thing you absolutely must do. The point of this month is to remind yourself of the time you do have and fill it with possibilities.

If you're interested in working with me to create rituals or ceremonies for you or your organization, drop me a line.