Winter in Canada isn’t just a season; it’s an experience.
First there’s the weather. Grey and rainy, bright and freezing, polar winds, constant drizzle, snow dumps… You name it, Canadians have lived it.
Then there’s the short and dark days; the increased effort it takes to get outside; the length of the season itself.
While a natural part of nature’s rhythm, winter can lead to a significant shift in our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
With its unique challenges, it’s not unusual for it to feel like a season we need to get through, or escape from. But here’s a thought: What if we could use mindfulness to not just survive the Canadian winter but actually accept it? Perhaps even enjoy it?
Let’s explore this possibility.
The Essence of Mindfulness
Let’s chat about what mindfulness really means. At its core, mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. This simple yet profound act of being present can dramatically transform our relationship with our thoughts, emotions, and the environment around us.
When we’re intentionally being mindful, we become fully engaged with whatever we’re doing, without overreacting or being overwhelmed by what’s going on around us, or within us.
Mindfulness invites a sense of peace that dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future, don’t provide. Think of it as noticing the frost patterns on the window without immediately worrying about shoveling the driveway. Or feeling the icy wind on your face without immediately cursing mother nature.
It’s important to note that it’s not about being super calm or zen all the time. Rather it’s about being in the present moment and practicing accepting it as it is.
How Mindfulness and Canadian Winters Intersect
So, why bring mindfulness into our Canadian winter? One reason is perspective.
Those snowdrifts might look less like obstacles and more like art. The short days? An opportunity to appreciate time spent resting indoors. Mindfulness can help us shift our view from seeing winter as a long, dark, and cold ordeal to appreciating the unique moments it brings.
But just like it’s not all about being zen all the time, it’s also not all about putting a positive spin on the situation.
Mindfulness also offers us the opportunity to notice and acknowledge how we truly feel about winter. Perhaps we do genuinely dislike it and wish it was shorter. Mindfulness encourages us to practice accepting our feelings as they are, without judgment or resistance. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience, allowing us the space to navigate the season with greater ease and equanimity.
Synchronizing Our Pace with the Season
Winter is a season of slowness. Nature itself seems to take a deep breath and settle into a quiet rhythm.
This natural pace can often feel at odds with the hustle and bustle of our daily life. Mindfulness offers us an invitation to synchronize our pace with the season, reducing some of the stress inherent in our busy lifestyles and deepening connection in our lives.
Both formal mindfulness practices and moment-to-moment mindfulness help us to consciously slow down. During a meditation, for example, we may be focusing solely on our breath. Outside of formal practice, we practice mindfulness by attentively listening to a loved one, or savouring a cup of tea. Either way, we’re single-tasking and adding some stillness into our day.
By embracing a slower pace with mindfulness, we open ourselves to the restorative power of winter. This intentional slowing down affords us the opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and others.
Cultivating Inner Warmth and Self-Awareness
Winter often brings less socializing and more solitude, possibly triggering feelings of loneliness and isolation. Mindfulness can serve as a powerful tool for navigating this challenge and fostering connection, even in solitude.
Mindfulness teaches us to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion. One simple practice is to take a few moments each day to engage in a loving-kindness meditation. This involves silently repeating phrases of well-wishes for ourselves and others, such as “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at peace.”
By cultivating feelings of warmth and goodwill towards ourselves and others, we can counteract feelings of loneliness and cultivate a sense of inner contentment.
Additionally, mindfulness encourages us to view solitude as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Rather than viewing time alone as something to be feared or avoided, we can use it as a chance to connect with ourselves on a deeper level.
This might involve journaling about our thoughts and feelings, taking a mindful walk in nature, or simply listening to music with our full awareness. By approaching solitude with a sense of curiosity and openness, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
Overcoming Barriers to Movement with Mindfulness
Winter can be a tough time to prioritize movement and stay motivated to exercise. This is true even despite knowing that staying active during the winter can help combat the seasonal blues and alleviate feelings of sluggishness and lethargy that often accompany the colder months.
Mindfulness can help us overcome barriers to movement that may arise during the winter months. By approaching movement with a sense of curiosity and openness – two cornerstones of mindfulness – we can find joy and satisfaction in even the simplest of activities, whether it’s a short walk around the neighborhood or a gentle yoga session at home. This mindset shift allows us to appreciate the present moment and the opportunity to care for our bodies, rather than see it as a chore that needs to be checked off.
Incorporating mindfulness into movement can amplify the benefits of even small amounts of physical activity. Mindful movement involves bringing awareness and intention to each movement, whether it’s a stretch, a step, or a downward dog. By paying attention to the sensations in our body and the rhythm of our breath, we can enhance our connection to our body. This embodied awareness not only enhances our physical health but also fosters a deeper understanding of our body’s needs and capabilities, promoting overall health.
By prioritizing mindful movement, we can reap the benefits of increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced resilience, ensuring that we thrive even in the coldest of months.
Mindfulness Techniques for Your Winter Routine
To integrate mindfulness into your winter routine, consider adopting the following practices:
- Hot Chocolate Meditation: Next time you’re warming up with a hot drink, take a moment to savor the experience mindfully. Allow yourself to focus solely on this experience. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands, inhale the rich aroma, observe the delicate steam, and finally, take slow, deliberate sips.
- Journaling: If writing is something that you enjoy, set aside a few minutes each day to journal about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can use this time to explore any emotions that arise during the winter months, as well as to express gratitude for the small joys and blessings in your life. Journaling can be a cathartic and therapeutic practice, even when done for just a few minutes. Pro tip: Try releasing the need for structure and length as you write.
- Gratitude Stroll: Taking a walk outdoors can be invigorating and uplifting, especially when combined with a practice of gratitude. As you stroll, pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Cultivate feelings of gratitude by reflecting on the things you’re thankful for: maybe it’s the crunch of snow under your boots, the crisp air on your skin, or the fact that your neighbour finally cleared the sidewalk. This simple practice can shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance, filling your heart with warmth and appreciation
- Mindful Eating: Before you dig into your meal, take a moment to pause and appreciate the food in front of you. Consider what and who it took for this food to be in front of you at that moment. Notice the colors, textures, and aromas of the food, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. As you eat, chew slowly and savor each bite, paying attention to the flavors and sensations in your mouth.
- Mindful Movement: Try engaging in your favorite type of movement with a mindful presence. Whether it’s yoga, dancing, or a leisurely stroll, immerse yourself fully in the experience. Feel the gentle activation of your muscles, the rhythm of your breath, and the sensation of movement in your body. By tuning into each movement, you can cultivate a deeper connection to your body and the present moment.
- Mindfulness Coaching: Feeling overwhelmed by the season or struggling to weave mindfulness into your daily life? Whether you’re seeking to better navigate the season or looking to infuse mindfulness into every aspect of your life, a mindfulness coach will provide you with the support you need to thrive. With their guidance, you’ll unlock new perspectives, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence and purpose in your journey through the seasons.
Wrapping It Up
In embracing mindfulness, we can come to see winter not merely as a season of challenges, but as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and acceptance. Inviting you to approach this time with a spirit of curiosity, openness, presence, and a readiness to discover the lessons and beauty it holds.