During the holidays I feel pulled in different directions. I want to celebrate with friends and family, enjoy good food, wine and sweets. Tis the season of cheer and holiday traditions. It is also the season of darkness, clear black skies, starlight and decorations brightening homes, yards and avenues. The short days beckon me home to curl up with a good book, enjoying soft music and my own company.

People are part of the natural world, and seasonal rhythms call out to be honored.

I feel the call most strongly at the equinoxes, when the days are equal in length to the nights. Spring fever energizes me, motivating me to get out and be more active. In the fall, I need more rest and sleep. Warm soups and tomato sauce pastas replace light salads and melons.

How do you honor natural rhythms while living full and busy lives?

The body knows. The body is your closest connection back to nature. Listening to the sensations of the body is the primitive language of nature, and infinitely intelligent. Stop a moment…breathe…into the belly, down to the toes. Notice where there is tension…breathe into it…find a place of ease…let the breath expand ease and relaxation.

Whatever you find, allow it to be.

What does the body need at this moment? If it is different from what’s on your agenda, how can you honor the need? Gentle movements like stretching, bending and twisting will relax body and mind, while increasing your heart rate will energize. Just paying attention to what your body needs and wants will allow you to balance the demands of the holiday season with the pull of nature to stay quiet.

Honor yourself as part of nature and relax into the season.