Good day to you fellow readers of my blog. Happy days following our gathering of thanks with the holiday. I am grateful to find myself writing to you after what has been a wonderful celebration of what makes life, life. The closeness of those you love gathered around you and the feeling of serenity that comes from knowing regardless of that which we may face in our lives we are not alone. I hope this was shared amongst your friends and family as well.
We have been graced with snow here in the northeast in the past few weeks. It has been a steady progression since the holidays and I think its fair to say that we can expect to have more as we go into the December season of winter. With such we find ourselves bundling up a little tighter and gathering our scarves closer to our necks as we head out with our hats and gloves to start our day. We are prepared for the weather in as much as we can be to meet the outdoors. What we may not be as aware of is getting our internal physical bodies ready for the cold temperatures along with what we put on are equally important to keeping us warm.
When we pay attention to our internal temperatures we ensure that our bodies function at their healthiest capacity. Two parts of the body that I am particularly aware of this with is our belly and intestines. These areas of our body are in need of warmth, continuously like a furnace. In Chinese medicine reference is made to the belly as a stove that when in optimal health is consistently tended to with warm energy. We can do this a number of ways here are a few that I practice:
1. Foods: Pay attention to the foods you choose to eat to begin your day. Are they particularly warming? Do you prepare them with heat. For example, if you morning routine is to eat a bowl of cereal and milk with orange juice you are eating dry goods mixed with cold beverages. Perhaps you may switch to hot cooked oats, squash and tea. You may also enjoy a nice miso soup. Eating warming foods when you begin your day starts up your engine as it encourages our belly and intestine to begin the process of digestion slowly and steadily. You may even find that if you suffer from constipation you will have some relief. Oils added to your food can serve as extra lubrication to assist in elimination while supporting the warming effects.
2. Bathing: Often we leave the house in a rush. We have perhaps showered the night before or do a quick wash before leaving the house to begin our day. Bathing our bodies is a part of our routine and the warm temperatures we enjoy in this process are soothing. Recently I have instituted a new addition to my routine when I know that I will be outside for a long period of time or in the car traveling about. Even if I have taken a shower the night prior, I take a quick 10 minute soak in the bath. A quick soak allows for the organs in my body to relax while also getting warmed up. You can have the bath running while you do your other bath routines.
3. Hydrate: Cold temperatures have us often visiting the local café for a good dose of warming beverage as we continue with our day. We may frequent a coffee shop three or more times a day ordering our caffeinated beverage. We can continue to do so while perhaps choosing beverages that will also give us some additional health benefits. Green tea is a wonderful option. Otherwise we can also gain a lot by just sipping on some plain hot water. This helps you stay hydrated while warm.
With the onset of the colder temperatures we all seek to stay warm and toasty. May you find yourself enjoying the season with your heart, mind and body at a comfortable place and perhaps some of these ideas will find their way to your daily routine to assist you in this intention.
Be well.
In health,
Safara
