We’re in one of darkest times of the year, particularly here in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also a dark time in a figurative sense with no lack of crises to distract and disarm us. I am a highly sensitive person and if you’re prone to anxiety or feeling overwhelmed (like me ;) please know that you’re not alone.

With many damp, dark days ahead of us, it is no surprise that many of us are spending more time indoors. While this can be isolating, the silver lining here is that this is an opportunity to restart or deepen your self-care practice.

My self-care moments consist of finding solace in warm beverages and slow cooked food, taking long baths and lying on my yoga mat and doing a face mask with a generous layer of Berry Rich on my face. I invite you to join me in these types of simple but meaningful self-care practices so that you too can nourish and care for yourself.

A good poem is always a treat and this one by Rumi is one is my go-to for this time of the year. I read it out loud every day as a form of meditation and each time I get something new from it. It reminds me that the shadow doesn't exist without the light. Nature goes through phases, and one’s struggles will eventually pass.

In closing, I’m not going to wish you a “happy new year” but I do wish that your journey in 2023 is nourishing for your mind, body, spirit (and skin ;).

Search the Darkness

Sit with your friends, don’t go back to sleep.

Don’t sink like a fish to the bottom of the sea.

Surge like an ocean, don’t scatter yourself like a storm.

Life’s waters flow from darkness.Search the darkness, don’t run from it.

Night travellers are full of light, and you are too: don’t leave this companionship. Be a wakeful candle in a golden dish, don’t slip into the dirt like quicksilver. The moon appears for night travellers, be watchful when the moon is full.