Today is Start of Winter, 立冬 lì dōng, November 7, and I am cultivating secrets.
According to the Suwen Chapter 2, in the three months of winter, we…
don’t bother the yang
go to bed early and rise late
must await sunlight
keep the will (ie your feelings) hidden
as though harboring private intentions (ie thoughts)
as if you have already gotten gains
dispel cold with warmth
don’t expose the skin or qi could be robbed away
This reflects the Qi of Winter and is the Way to cultivating conservation.
Winter is the season for recharging your battery pack for the whole year. It is the time of year we should sleep more, if we can, and nurture contentment and satisfaction. It is the season for staying cozy and warm.
I was thinking recently about what a wonderful invention socks are. If your feet are cold, you can literally add cozy to you feet. I’ve been cultivating satisfaction by reading Julie Leong’s The Keeper of Magical Things out loud before bed with my partner while drinking wildflower dream tea from Oaktown Spice Shop.
What do you do to stay cozy in the winter? What habits give you a good night’s sleep? Tell me. I’d love to know.
