Winter Listening Rituals

small steps you can easily add to your day

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” — Vincent Van Gough

Doing a ritual may feel overwhelming and like just another thing to add to an already hectic day. I am a morning person; my energy comes from the dawn, so I like to do a morning ritual. If you are more of a night owl, then try an evening ritual.

In recent years, there has been discussion of morning rituals and using them as a way to bring intentionality to your day. As we embrace this time of quiet contemplation in January, let’s gently introduce a few simple, yet meaningful, rituals. We will treat this as a game of choose your own adventure🍃 I’m going to go through several of my favorites, and you pick just two or three to include in your day. If you have others to add, please share in the comments!

Stir Your Coffee/Tea

I started using my morning cuppa as a way to begin my day intentionally. I stir my coffee counterclockwise and focus on the word release. Through this, I am releasing judgment of myself or others, releasing what doesn’t serve me, and starting my day from a position of wonder and gratitude.

Brisk Walk

Not always my favorite thing when the temperatures have plummeted, but as B says, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Get out and brave the elements for even 10 minutes, and you will feel invigorated. Take that outside time to listen and notice what is happening around you.

One Yoga Pose

I read an article on Apple News that was listing the best single yoga pose for women over 50. Legs Up The Wall or Viparita Karani

“The hardest part of the pose is getting into it! Once you are in, it requires no effort,” she says. “Place a bolster (or pillow) long ways with a folded blanket on top. Sit sideways on the blanket with one hip touching the wall. Place your hands on the floor behind you. Roll onto your pelvis, swinging your legs up the wall. Let your spine and torso melt into the props. Let your abdomen soften and your chest relax. Rest your arms by your sides.”

And the benefits of this pose are nothing short of impressive—especially for women over 50. “This is one of the most powerful poses in the book,” Purdon says. “It relieves restless legs syndrome and helps return blood from the legs to the heart. It also has a calming effect that can help with insomnia and promote restful sleep.”¹

Word of the Year

For more than a decade, I have chosen a word to be a sort of mantra or theme for my year. It is an easy practice that you can journal on if you’d like and clearly define what you want this year to look like. Again, by turning inward and listening to your inner dialogue, you will find this word pop up for you.

Light a Candle

I tend to light a candle late afternoon and into the evening. I love gazing at candlelight and just taking a moment or two to reflect. It sets the tone for the evening, gives a lovely ambiance, and is a symbol of the light returning.

Oracle/Tarot Pull & Journal

Pulling either a tarot or oracle card at the start of the week gives me something to think about as I head into each new week. Just ask an open-ended question like “What message does my week hold?” or “Where is my power this week?” Pull the card and reflect on what the picture is telling you. Then you can look it up in the guidebook to get further interpretation. This is more of a journaling exercise on reflection, listening to what your inner voice is saying to you from the quiet.

Read Seasonal Books

I love all kinds of books, but when it comes to wintertime, I love historical fiction, small-town romances, and all things magical. Read a genre that you love, set in surroundings that emulate the current season. This time of year, a cozy read is the best in the quiet dark month of January. Here are a few that I love

Around the Table by Diana Henry

Guilded Mountain by Kate Manning

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin

The Winter Sea by Susanna Keasley

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

What ideas do you have on little rituals? I’d love to hear in the comments!

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Until next time,

Hello friend! My name is Amy. I am so happy you have stopped by 🍃 If you are new here, a warm welcome to you! This space is where I am learning to walk the wise woman road by connecting to my true self through seasonal shifts, writing, food, intuition, and resilience. If this resonates with you, subscribe and walk the season alongside me.

1. Real Simple Magazine