The joy of winter

a list of simple joys and things to romanticise this winter

Hello, I’m Jodie. A Yoga teacher & creator. I write about my quest to live a slower pace of life with themes of rest, living slower, healing and self discovery. Subscribe to support my work & to read more. Or, get cosy and join our Slower Space community to access all content and the monthly journaling club!

There’s no doubt that with the beauty and joy of winter, it’s a season that can also feel heavy and testing too.

It’s a time that invites quiet and introspection, where our day light hours are limited and the weather is often on the grey and cold.

Without a doubt, for me, it’s the season that requires the most effort to find joy in. It’s not a loud, shouty joy that’s quick to access, but quiet, and often harder to reach.

Appreciation for it is a habit I’ve had to cultivate over the years, and allowing myself to be a part of the cycle is something I’ve had to soften to also (not easy when so much of what we see is to continue at the same busy pace all year round!).

Today, as we approach mid-winter, I wanted to reflect on the things that are joyful to me about this time of year, and the things I look out for as glimmers in my day…

Small winter joys

• frosty foggy mornings

• the glow of candle light on a dark afternoon

• gorgeous sunsets, especially in late January/ February

• getting back into bed to embrace a slow morning

• little red noses from the cold

• the combination of the perfect cuppa and a mince pie

• snowdrops coming into bloom

• thermals layered with thick wool jumpers

• longer, reflective journaling sessions where the quiet magic happens

• stew and dumplings with crusty bread rolls

• finding a new tea that becomes your favourite

• getting into bed early, warmed by an electric blanket

• spotting babies and toddlers in snowsuits in the park - the cutest

• sleeping more and embracing naps

• the hope that comes from knowing the days are slowly getting longer again

• cosy cashmere socks

• cosy coffee shop catch ups where you stay chatting way longer than planned

• the feeling of coming in from the cold

• hot chocolate with all the trimmings

• finally getting through those books you wanted to read

• trying out new recipes

• the feeling of a hot drink warming your hands

• cosying up under a throw, especially when it’s heated

• seeing the little green shoots of growth and the early signs of spring

There’s a few things that come to mind for me, what would you add to the list?

One final thing before I go…

Winter Solstice Online Workshop & Gathering

If a cosy evening leaning into the wisdom of winter and resting sounds ideal mid-December, join me for Winter Wisdom! An online workshop to celebrate and mark the Winter Solstice.

It’s a 90 minute session designed to support you to find ease this winter, mark the solstice & retreat into rest.

Expect practical advice and guidance, time and support to set your winter vision, and a mindful movement practice with Yoga Nidra to finish. All movement is beginner friendly with a focus on releasing. You're encouraged to come as you are 💖

(reminder if you’re a Slower Space paid subscriber I have a discount code for this in our Substack chat)

Love & gratitude,

Jodie x

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