Our winter solstice has come to pass. Accordingly it was the shortest day of the year and I for one experienced this remarkable occurrence quite visibly. I had plans to go to a traditional Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing at a local theatre house.
But as I neared the end of the evening the sudden onset of the dark night made me reconsider.
It was a delightful decision and one that speaks to the season’s blessings upon us. It asks us to follow the call of the season to what nature has intended for us, to be more in stillness and take it upon yourself to be active in deliberate fashion. Instead of going out into the wintery snow I choose instead to cozy up, a book, some candle light and a needle and thread project. It was just right.
Last blog spoke of mindfulness and today with our winter’s beginnings I would like to expand on this idea as it pertains to being mindful of the energy of the winter season as it pertains to our health and food choices.
Winter according to Chinese medicine carries the energy of water. It is in the air and around our feet as the cold dampness settles into our bones and surrounds us visually. We find that our bodies on the outside may be withstanding cold temperatures that cause it to tense and become stiff. It is important in the winter for us to find as many opportunities to keep ourselves limber.
Stretching and aerobic activities that allow us to utilize our lungs and keep our muscles and tendons supple are good to do. Finding time for such even when the weather suggests we stay indoors is important and an occasion brisk walk can replenish us with fresh air.
The organ of the kidney needs particular attention during this season. The kidney supports our body to provide a method of filtering the blood and remove water and wastes that are excreted through the bladder. We do our kidneys well when we provide nourishing foods that support it in its optimal function.
Foods such as dark beans and winter greens are particularly helpful. Daikon, a type of Japanese radish has natural cleansing properties and can be grated and added to any dish as a side.
Winter seasonal brings slow cooking methods to our kitchens. Warm stews and boiled vegetables. Watercress, escarole, celery and turnip are vegetables that can add some bitter to your dish.
Opt for the grain millet or barley, quinoa or amaranth along and enjoy some warm oats in the morning. Foods salted with a dash of tamari can add a nourishing quality to the season dishes.
More oils can be added in preparation of your favorite hearty meals with texture- such as tempeh as these foods bring heat deeper into the body.
In the spirit of the season as we nestle in for the winter weather let us open our ears to the still silence while also making time for a nice chat with a distant loved one and balance our energies with what nature has intended for us. We may find ourselves more centered and grounded and this will only add to our seasonal enjoyment.
Take a moment as you prepare a meal and see how you can bring in the energy of the season into your kitchen. You may find your dishes bring nourishment your body needs with this act of mindfulness to your palate.
In health,
Safara
