Happy New Year!… and above all, happy reflections!
A moment to pause and rejuvenate
I hope you were able to take advantage of the holiday season to break out of your usual routine and share some precious moments with family, friends, and loved ones!
And I also hope you’ve found some time to recharge—whether in nature or in the comfort of your own home—by doing something you love and that truly nourishes you!
A start to the year at odds with nature?
For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, returning to work in January often means a hectic pace, stress, tight deadlines, and long hours. This pace quickly drains the meager reserves of energy we have left after the whirlwind of end-of-year activities and holiday celebrations.
A look at the plant and animal kingdoms
Yet when we look at the plant and animal kingdoms around us, winter is a season of slowing down, hibernation, and rest for them.
Winter in Chinese medicine
Similarly, in Chinese medicine, winter is the season when yin energy reaches its peak—a feminine energy associated with calm, receptivity, darkness, and cold. It invites us to turn inward, to nurture and replenish both our physical and mental reserves.
Winter is also associated with the water element, which embodies stillness, reflection, and energetic depth.
My Personal Observations
When I discovered qigong and began exploring Chinese medicine, I quickly realized that my winter lifestyle was completely out of alignment with the principles of yin… and with nature itself…
I managed to get through the winter and my very busy work period, but I inevitably ended up getting sick as soon as I was able to take a vacation in the spring. Not surprisingly, I had completely depleted my energy reserves.
How do you readjust?
How can we change course when we're in the thick of things and demands—both personal and professional—are coming at us from all sides?
The importance of introspection
Why not take a step back and analyze the situation? After all, yin energy invites us to look inward!
Like me, you've probably noticed that a lot of people are talking about their vision boards, their intentions, and their goals for the year.
Without adding yet another task to your already busy days, I believe that the reflections that go along with these practices are essential—and perfectly in line with what nature encourages us to do. After all, how can we pursue our dreams if we don’t take the time to clarify what we truly want?
Winter invites us to turn inward, to embark on a brief journey of self-reflection, and to reflect on the past 12 months.
An invitation to reflect
Here are a few questions to ask yourself, objectively and without judgment:
What have you accomplished this year?
To what extent were they aligned with the goals you had set for yourself (if applicable)?
What were your successes… and your failures?
What lessons can you draw from your experiences?
Where could you put more effort? And where could you put less?
What would you like to pursue? What would you like to change?
And finally: How can you better align your actions with your aspirations?
Keep your thoughts visible
Write down your thoughts—put them on paper, or in any other format that works for you!
And keep them within sight so they can inspire you every day!
Need help?
Did you know that most of the goals set at the beginning of the year aren't followed through on… and are often forgotten after a few months—or even a few weeks?
Don't just follow the trend. One-on-one coaching can guide you through self-reflection, help you identify your deepest aspirations, and connect you with the motivation behind them.
We often rely on external resources to achieve our goals. However, we usually have all the necessary internal resources.
It's simply a matter of finding the right path to unlock your full potential. A coach can be a valuable ally in this process.
Give it a try—you'll see. And the first introductory session is free.
I wish you all some beautiful and profound reflections!
