Why Winter Is the Perfect Season for Rest & Reflection

Winter invites us to slow down, but most of us resist it. If we continue to push forward, not being aware of our energy stores, life sometimes forces us to slow down. I’m writing this as I’m trying to recover from a pretty bad cold. I don’t get sick as much as I used to – changing my diet, practicing Qigong, and getting enough sleep have been key. For me, I have been running at full capacity for a bit now and I think it just took its toll. Sound familiar? So, I invite you, as Winter does, to slow down these next couple months to check in with yourself.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is governed by the Water element, connected to the Kidneys and Bladder. This season isn’t about pushing forward or making big changes. It’s about restoring your deepest reserves, so you have the energy you need for what is aligned for you as the year unfolds.

When we ignore winter’s inward pull, we often notice:

• Increased fatigue

• Brain fog or low motivation

• Underlying fear (the emotion we hold in our Kidneys/Bladder)

• A sense of being disconnected from ourselves

• Sickness (cold and flu)

The Kidneys store our Jing, or life essence. This is the energy we’re born with and must protect over a lifetime. Winter is when this essence is most easily replenished, if we allow ourselves to slow down.

Rest in winter doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means:

• Choosing fewer obligations or the correct ones

• Creating quiet moments for reflection

• Listening more closely to your body’s signals

• Letting go of the pressure to “figure everything out”

This is also why winter is such a powerful time for inner work. When the external world is quieter, your inner voice becomes clearer.

Give yourself a moment to check in on how you’re feeling. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Take a break, take rest, do something fun. You will be a better person not only to yourself, but to everyone around you if you do.

In the Inner Alignment Membership (which will be opening up soon), we explore how to work with winter energy instead of against it, through seasonal rituals, gentle Qigong, and understanding how your unique Human Design thrives when rest is honored.