Following Winter's Slower Pace
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Winter isn’t just a season; it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and restore. In a world that’s always rushing forward, winter gives us permission to stop and breathe. It's a time to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits, preparing for the growth and energy of spring. In the same way that plants rest and animals hibernate, we too can use this time to regroup. Winter reminds us that rest is a natural part of the cycle. Just like the earth takes time to prepare for spring, we can give ourselves permission to rest without guilt.
Here in Western Maine the winter is lonnggg. And cold. And dark. It naturally invites slowing down (it also invites seasonal depression, so it is definitely a balance). Over the years I’ve cultivated a pretty good mindset about winter. I focus on all the things I enjoy about the season, like the holidays, sitting by my woodstove with a cup of tea, watching the winter woods from my sitting room window. So while there are still days when I struggle with Winter, most of the time I can find peace and calm in the stillness.
The Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Slowing Down in the Winter
Quiet moments during winter give us space to think about what’s working in our lives—and what’s not. Slowing down allows us to let go of what no longer serves us, making room for fresh ideas and growth. When life is quieter, it’s easier to connect with ourselves. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, we can use winter’s stillness to find
It’s not just your spirit that benefits from slowing down—your body and mind will thank you too.
Physical Rest: With less daylight, winter naturally encourages us to sleep more. Lean into that! Quality rest gives your body a chance to recover and recharge.
Mental Clarity: Slowing down helps clear the constant mental chatter. Taking time to unplug and focus on simple tasks can reduce stress and boost creativity. For me this is often cleaning up the house or working on a creative project. Honestly, writing out ideas for Mabon House is one the best ways I unwind and quiet my mind.
Emotional Renewal: This season is perfect for reconnecting with yourself and loved ones. Cozy evenings spent journaling, reading, or talking with family can help you feel recharged emotionally. I definitely journal and write more in the winter. )These are my absolute favorite journals). Spending time with friends and family is a little trickier and takes more planning, as all my kiddos live away from home now. So I set a goal of seeing them at least once a month. I always feel better after visiting.
Tips for Connecting with Winter’s Slower Energy
If slowing down feels unnatural, here are a few simple ways to embrace winter’s rhythm while balancing work and family obligations:
Make Your Space Cozy: A warm, inviting home makes it easier to relax. Add soft blankets, candles, and warm lighting to create a space that feels like a hug. If you’ve seen my house on Instagram you know that I love a cozy vibe in winter.
Practice Journaling: Spend 5–10 minutes a day jotting down your thoughts. Ask yourself questions like: What am I grateful for? What do I want to let go of before spring?
Mindful Eating: Winter is the perfect time for hearty, nourishing meals. Focus on warm soups, stews, and seasonal vegetables to fuel your body. My crockpot is my best friend in the winter and makes it easy to have a good meal prepared after work.
Move Gently: Yoga, stretching, or even a slow walk outside can help you stay grounded. Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. I do most of my movement inside during the winter. I like to practice yoga in front of my woodstove or walk on my 10 year old treadmill while listening to music. Over the years I’ve let go of the idea that I need to exercise for at least 45 minutes to an hour in order for it to “count” - whatever that means. Now I strive for 30 minutes a day on most days. And this can be broken up into smaller chunks, like a quick walk at lunch in the parking lot (if it’s not too icy) or busting out 20 minutes of housework in one go. I keep it simple.
Preparing for New Beginnings: Intentional Goal-Setting
Even though winter is about rest, it’s also a time to dream about what’s next. Use this season to lay the groundwork for the year ahead.
Set Intentions: What do you want your spring to look like? Use this quiet time to think about your goals and how you can align your life with them. I know that my spring is going to be very busy with nursing school and work, so I want to spend time now reigning in my stress and learning to be okay prioritizing some areas of my life over others.
Vision Boards or Planning: Create a vision board or jot down ideas for what you want to accomplish. This process doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about dreaming and getting inspired. I like to use my Wheel of the Year planner or a pretty notebook to sketch out the things I want to be, do and have.
Simplify: Use winter to declutter your home, schedule, or mind. Clearing out what no longer feels right helps create space for what truly matters. Again, because I know I will be extra busy this spring and summer, I am trying (somewhat unsuccessfully TBH) to simplify as much as I can - everything from my wardrobe, to my kitchen cupboards, to aligning my finances. I know that if I can take care of at least some of these things now, life will be easier later.
Winter may be cold and dark, but it’s also a season of quiet beauty and restoration. By embracing the slower pace, we give ourselves time to rest, reflect, and grow. When spring comes, we’ll be ready to bloom. So grab a cozy blanket, light a candle, and let this season remind you that slowing down isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
Are you slowing down this winter?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Moon Energy in November - The Waning and Dark Moons
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As we move through the second half of November, we find ourselves closer to the beginning of winter. This year, the waning moon dominates this period, culminating in a new moon on December 1. During this two-week phase, the shorter days naturally encourage introspection and release.
The waning moon is a time to shed old patterns, habits, or mindsets, and November’s waning moon is particularly potent as it precedes the winter solstice—the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.
This phase offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on what is no longer serving you, allowing you to prepare for winter with a lighter mental and emotional load. If you practice shadow work, this is an opportune moment to delve inward, confront your inner truths, and embrace the energy of transformation.
Here are some rituals and practices to help you connect with the waning moon and set your intentions for the next turn of the Wheel of the Year.
November Rituals and Practices for Letting Go
Journaling for Release
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to find clarity and identify areas of your life that need improvement. Whether you prefer a stream-of-consciousness style or guided prompts, journaling helps bring buried emotions and thoughts to the surface.
Here are some prompts to get started:
- What am I holding onto? (e.g., grudges, limiting beliefs, memories)
- What can I do in the next month to bring more joy or reduce stress in my life?
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Journal Prompt Cards: These include over 100 prompts to guide your reflection throughout the year.
A Cleansing Ritual
A cleansing ritual during the waning or dark moon aligns perfectly with the phase’s energy of release. To perform one, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare your space: Choose a quiet area and gather your tools, such as cleansing herbs (rosemary, sage, or lavender), saltwater, or essential oils.
2. Set your intention: Focus on what you want to release, saying it aloud or silently (e.g., *“I release all energy that no longer serves me.”*).
3. Cleanse: Waft smoke from herbs, sprinkle saltwater, or diffuse oils around the space. Visualize negative energy leaving and positivity filling the room.
4. Seal the ritual: Welcome protective and calming energy, then express gratitude for the cleansing. Ground yourself with water or tea afterward.
Letting Go Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace and clarity, especially during this time of release.
- Guided meditations: Perfect for beginners or those seeking structure, these meditations often include calming visuals and verbal guidance for deep relaxation.
- Solo meditation: Focus on your breath, a mantra, or simply observe your thoughts, allowing a freer, more personal exploration.
Both approaches help reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and create a deeper connection with yourself, making meditation an excellent tool for emotional and mental release.
When I meditate or want to turn off any racing thoughts, I’ll listen to this creator on YouTube.
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- Meditation Cushions: I would only buy a specific meditation cushion after meditating on a regular basis for while, to make sure that you will actually use it.
- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense are ideal for creating a serene (almost spa-like) atmosphere.
The waning moon and dark moon phases in November provide an ideal time to slow down, reflect, and let go. Through journaling, cleansing rituals, and meditation, you can align with the moon's energy to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the natural cycles of release and renewal.
What practices help you release and reset during the waning moon? Let me know in the comments below!
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
The November Moon
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I always think of November as a transitional month between the busy short autumn days to the longer, slower winter evenings. For me the month is an invitation to slow down and breathe. While I’m reluctant to say goodbye to warmer days, there’s something deeply soothing about this seasonal shift.
The November Moon & Wheel of the Year
For those of us who follow a nature-based spiritual path, the November moon falls during Samhain, at the very beginning of the Wheel of the Year. This first full moon of the new wheel invites us to harness its energy and set intentions, seek clarity, or prepare to let go of the things that no longer serve us.
The November Moon & The Crone
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have named each moon, and November’s full moon is often called the “Dark Moon” or the “Beaver Moon.” The moon, embodying feminine energy with its 28-day cycle, has long guided planting and hunting seasons, seasonal celebrations and the ocean’s tides.
In the Triple Goddess tradition, the full moon represents the Mother, a symbol of fullness before transitioning into the Crone phase. I don’t think any other month of the year embodies the essence of The Crone like November. It is the end of the growing season, when everything dies. While at the same time it is a time for beginnings. If you are like me, mistakes have been made in the past twelve months. What can we learn from them? How can we grow? No matter what your age, tapping into your inner crone is tapping into your own innate wisdom - it’s like listening to the small voice inside - you know, the one that you might otherwise ignore.
If you’ve been caught up in the hustle of daily life, November is an ideal time to pause and reflect. Celebrating the November moon cycle can give you a framework to move from autopilot toward intentional practices and activities that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
Simple ways to connect with November’s moon:
Meditate under the moonlight, setting intentions for the new season. If you can’t catch the moonlight where you live because of weather/location, you could light a candle instead.
Journal about what you wish to release and what you hope to cultivate. These are my favorite journals that I have used for years.
Spend meaningful time with loved ones, enjoying the season’s warmth and connection. The holiday season is about to kick off. Rather than being stressed about dinners and gifts, how can you make this time of year feel easier and more enjoyable with the people you love?
Let go. During the waning moon period (the second half the moon cycle) focus on what you would like to release in your life. I dare you to get deep with this one - what is the thing, the habit, the relationship, the situation that you know you need to change?
November often gets a bad wrap because it signals the long cold months ahead (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Approaching the darkest month of the year with a sense of curiosity, reflection and intention can help you enjoy this time of year instead of dreading it. Following the cycle of the moon is just one way to find inspiration for slowing down and embracing this season of transition.
Will you follow the November Moon?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.