Quote of the Month:
Deep peace of the quiet Earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and Stars pour their healing light to you.
Deep peace to you, deep peace to you.
Ancient Gaelic Blessing
|
|
Written by Bridget Anna McNeil
The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism.
And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong. In actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.
"Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth"... and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.
Life is a gift
❤
a Happy winter to you all...
|
|
From AWC
Happy New Year 2020
|
|
We are intimately connected to nature whether we are aware of it or not. Nature says now is the time to rest, reflect and gather resources for the coming spring. While the New Year is a great time to set resolutions to help us move forward to growth, health and happiness, perhaps we need to be doing this in sync with nature. Instead of ambitious resolutions (which studies show are rarely kept beyond the first 30 days of the year), let’s heed the call of winter and of our own inner self. Go deep, reflect on what we really need and want. Start slowly, with a resolution to give ourselves rest and comfort this month. Listen to the winter call to hibernate a bit. It could be just going to bed ½ hour earlier. Reading a good book. Taking 10 minutes to go out in the night cold and connect with nature in its stark beauty. Then, set resolutions for each month of the year rather than the whole year. Smaller, more manageable goals are much more likely to be kept. Follow nature as it moves through the seasons. In February, choose a deep breathing or stretching practice. In March, as winds come, set a goal for clearing, for moving. Then move into more active self-care and social activities even as nature bursts into spring and summer. Plant seeds, let them grow, harvest them in our lives with gentle growth throughout the year.
|
|
The Gift of Health Resources
|
|
Are you trying to work on your health while dealing with chronic illness? This can make it very difficult, with feelings of doubt, self-criticism or loneliness. Here is an excerpt from an article on how to have self-compassion when working on health and healing in chronic illness.
"Specifically, self-compassion consists of three components: 1. Self-kindness: Being kind, gentle and understanding with yourself when you’re suffering. 2. Common humanity: Realizing that you’re not alone in your struggles. 3. Mindfulness: Observing life as it is, without being judgmental or suppressing your thoughts and feelings."
Here is the link to the full article. It is a great read!
|
|
Product of the Month
Mountain Rose Herbs - Herbal Tea Blends
For Comfort, Warmth and Self-Care
|
|
Happy Tummy (for Digestion):
The name says it all. This gentle blend makes a wonderful beverage to sip after a large meal. The aromatic and tasty herbs in this infusion create a balanced flavor for a happy belly. Summery with a clean finish and soft floral compliments.
Echinacea & Elder tea
(for Immune System):
Echinacea and elder tea
is a wonderfully mild blend that includes raspberry leaf, rosehips, lemon, and a touch of ginger root. This tea has a smooth taste for soothing the senses and is great hot or iced. Elderberries and
Echinacea purpurea
help to support immune health*. Brew up a cup of this gentle tea any time of the year to reap the benefits! The flavor is very light and mellow with an earthy aftertaste. The aroma is equally light with subtle sweet notes. Very easy on the palate.
Fidnemed Nighttime Tea (for Sleep):
Relax with some of this full flavored infusion blend at the end of a hectic day. Fidnemed means a sacred and quiet forest grove; imagine falling asleep surrounded by beautiful botanicals as you enjoy a cup of this tea. Citrus flavors blended with sweet cranberry notes.
Peace Tea (for Relaxation):
A gentle blend, this tea is a wonderful herbal infusion for cultivating gratitude, happiness, and wisdom. Blended with love from organic herbs, Peace Tea honors the need for balance and rest in our busy lives. With a smooth floral and mint flavor with just a hint of spice, this uplifting blend provides a delightful way to unwind. Each cup invites a delicious chance for mindful reflection while moving toward powerfully peaceful action in the world. A bouquet for the taste buds with hints of flowers and mint.
Tea or Essential Oil is also great
to aid digestion after a big holiday feast!
|
|
Jacki’s Corner
by Jacki Szimanski
|
|
Adult ADHD Support Group is on hold for now.
If interested, contact Jacki through her website.
|
|
Click here for some great de-stressing ideas.
|
|
French Onion Chicken Casserole
From Delish.com
|
French onion soup is truly the ultimate comfort food. This easy casserole takes everything we love about the original (cheese, crispy toast, TONS of caramelized onions) and adds in chicken for a protein-packed dinner that’s also indulgent, cheesy, and satisfyingly stuffing-like. In other words, we’ll be relying on it all winter long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
