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How are you doing? Really? We’ve just passed Blue Monday, and at this stage of the year, my hopes are pinned to a rodent 🦫😂
My cats refuse to leave the house, the dogs look at me in confusion as they shift around from paw to paw, and the horses have their blankets doubled up to stay warm in the bitter cold🐾🐈🐕🐴
(Click here to see their antics first hand!)
I’m bundled up in my coveralls, a balaclava, mitts and boots with thermals under it all to keep me toasty. But I’m tired! And spring is a long, long way away 😩
Who Put Saturn in Charge?🪐
Don’t even get me started on the state of affairs in the world🌎
This time of year, while an invitation to rest deeply, can truly test our mettle. It is no surprise to astrologers that two of the three winter months are ruled by stern and severe Saturn 🪐
And in our hustle culture, which constantly pushes us to produce and consume, the pressure to act while we need to conserve our energy just to survive, can be a lot 😮💨
Taking Care of Business (ie YOU)
In yoga class this week, we explored some somatic practises to help tend to our nervous systems. Of course, these exercises can be used at any time, but self-care may be higher on your list of needs this time of year.
Here are some of my favourites:
◼️Square breathing: Take slow, deep breaths in and out, counting to 4 on the inhale, pausing for 4, counting to 4 on the exhale, pausing again for 4. Try 3-5 rounds to start.
👇Tapping: The good people of YouTube have created tons of free content on literally everything! There are all sorts of wonderful, tapping videos, including videos on EFT tapping. My daily tapping routine uses the BodyTalk method, taking slow, deep breaths as you tap three times on the crown of your head, three times on your heart and three times on your belly.
🎶Humming or Singing:Humming & singing are not just for the shower anymore! Pick your favourite tune, and use it to help stimulate the vagus nerve and activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
🫨Shake it Off:Taylor Swift has it right! Need to shift your energy? Stand up and shake your money maker! Shake daily for a few minutes, really moving all parts of your body and feel the stress literally fly out your fingertips! Magic!
🧊Ice, ice baby: Another way to stimulate your vagus nerve is by putting an ice pack on the back of your neck for 1-2 minutes.
This is not a comprehensive list, just some I use regularly. Try different techniques to see which work best for you. And it goes without saying that I am not a medical professional and this is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor and see what they suggest👩⚕️
Need Some Inspiration?✨
These days, your mood may be as bleak as the weather, but don’t give into despair! You matter, what you do matters, and you are here to make a contribution to the world.
I just finished a wonderful book, The Place of Tides, by James Rebanks. It was the perfect inspiration for right now, a reminder that even we ordinary folk can have a meaningful impact on our community & the world. Perfect read to light my inner fire 🔥
2026 has a lot in store for all of us, and I want you to make the most of it! As always, we are invited to engage consciously with the energies at play. We choose how we continue to show up, remembering the ripples our actions create.
Hang in there, my friend, times like these feel heavy and tough. Remember not to believe your thoughts when you are feeling your lowest (which might be now). And bundle up and get outside, I promise you'll be glad you did!
Peace, Love and Light🕊️
Naomi
PS-Lucky I have somewhere toasty warm to enjoy a good book⬇️
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