Living in New England we have the unique pleasure of 4 season due to the earths positioning to the sun. If I have that right. The factor is not what is important here but our daily lives are. As I google it, we have 2 Solstices June and December and two equinoxes March and September. If you are like me your body or something within you senses these changes. As for me it is September and March that stand out the most as my body gets a chill in September and the winter coats comes out. As for March it is the total clear out and clean up or better put (what the heck happened to my regular schedule) If I listen to my body and slowly start to change my diet from the emphasis of summer foods and light eating to smaller salads, more light based soups, generally I feel much better. My water intake remains steady throughout the year but my skin care changes due to artificial lights, more enclosed spaces, etc. The as winter hits, soup’s become more root vegetable, sweet potatoes and squash based as little sprinkles of meat appear to boost by iron, give taste and set off childhood memories. I use a light therapy lamp for a brief time daily. Then March rolls in and slowly ever so slowly (weather is still cold for my area) my diet begins to cycle back. My mind starts to think about flowers and yes believe it or not I start to arrange my closet’s winter clothes. Sorting out things to donate and even start to organize my Spring clothing. Then there is the refresh of my eating habits. Unlike the great bears of North America; I am not able to double my weight and sleep for 3 months. Dang! That would be awesome. But winter season can mean some extra weight so some extra attention is added to my exercise routine, walking as much as possible outside and getting my routines back into order. Eating, Sleeping, exercising, TV watching etc.
This is my Winter Schedule: September to March – lunch 11:30 or Noon lunch, 5 to 5:30pm dinner and in bed at 8:30pm. no TV an hour before bed. I wake at 4:30 to 5am. Generally, I do pretty good until about the middle of December and then I go off the rails with social gathering, work activities, family needs etc. So by February sometimes as late as the beginning of March. I am putting myself back on track, again. It’s all good as life is a journey and not specifically a destination- unless you call non-physical existence a destination which we will all get to no matter what.
Human cycles that match the environment are nothing new and many people eat with the seasons but what gives me the most comfort is knowing. I am not crazy that I am sensitive to these changes and I am stronger as a person because I follow a path that brings me health and support. I wish for you the same. A balanced mind and a crazy heart (to be open with joy to things) is the best approach. If others don’t get it well that is there loss.
Here is the link for the dates: https://www.fi.edu/blog/solstice-equinox
I am not endorsing this site it was just what I found in google to get the names and dates.
Elizabeth Ramona Pokoly (RA)