Where do you find meaning during the holiday season? How do you focus on what nourishes your spirit and let go of the rest?

For those of us in the northeast, we are faced with the reality of short days and long, dark nights. We may fill our time with busy-ness, shopping or awkward holiday parties. We may feel pulled out of ourselves and caught in activities and experiences that feel less than satisfying.

One way to practice self-care this time of year is to seek out experiences that touch your heart. This could mean something different for everyone. Perhaps you belong to a spiritual community. Or have a group of family or friends that gather together with a feeling of warmth and belonging. Maybe you seek solace in nature and find comfort in the stillness of the woods. You may have your own traditions and practices that you follow each year.

What are you most drawn to? Take a few moments right now to pause and check in with your inner wisdom, your heart knowing. Place a hand on your heart. Can you feel the pulse of your heartbeat? Can you feel the movement of your breath in your body? See if you can get a sense of the sweetness and simplicity of your heart. Imagine your heart being held with love, cradled like a newborn baby. Then gently ask your heart what it needs this season. Let yourself be open to hearing whatever response comes. The heart tends to answer in simple ways, such as the response I heard, “love.”

Koselig: A Feeling of Coziness, Intimacy, Warmth

There is an article that has been circulating on social media called “The Norwegian Secret to Enjoying A Long Winter.” Originally published in November of 2015, it has been widely shared this year.

This is my favorite part:

“Norwegians also have a word, koselig, that means a sense of coziness. It’s like the best parts of Christmas, without all the stress. People light candles, light fires, drink warm beverages, and sit under fuzzy blankets. There’s a community aspect to it too; it’s not just an excuse to sit on the couch watching Netflix. [Kari] Leibowitz reports that Tromsø had plenty of festivals and community activities creating the sense that everyone was in it together.”

In the spirit of koselig, with an intention of coziness and community, my dear friend and fellow healer, Karla Archambeault, and I are offering a mini-retreat the first Sunday in December. It will be a time of mindfulness, heart-connection, self-care and nourishment. If you feel called to join us, details are on Facebook and my classes and workshops page. Includes information on cost and pre-registration.

Whatever you feel drawn to this season, may you be able to honor your heart’s desires. Wishing you warmth, coziness and community during this season of light.

Katherine Grigg, MPC, RSMT, offers a holistic approach to healing with roots in somatics, body psychotherapy, spirituality and mindful movement. She sees clients in Lenox, Massachusetts and over phone/video chat. Specializing in working with women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Contact her for more information.

For more information about Karla Archambeault, LMT, RSMT, visit Adhara Sacred Wellness. She offers transformational heart-centered healing sessions, designed to increase well being on every level: mind, body and soul. Karla also works at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health as a Bodyworker, Energy Healer and Ayurvedic Health Counselor. She is passionate about creating sacred spaces for transformation and healing.