THE ART OF WINTER NAPPING

That is me the little one wrapped up in my god sisters embrace.

Growing up as a first-generation American with my family from Colombia, I always felt like I had one foot in the fast-paced world of the U.S. and the other in the wisdom of my Latine roots. It was like being pulled in two directions at once, which, let me tell you, was as confusing as trying to dance to reggaeton in a slow-waltz class. And when winter rolled around, it felt like my body was screaming for rest, while the world was shouting, "Keep going, keep hustling!"—like a never-ending to-do list.

In my early 20s, my intuition wasn’t exactly the loudest voice in the room. It was more like a whisper getting drowned out by the noise of deadlines, social obligations, and an unrelenting desire to prove myself. But as I slowly started tuning into practices like meditation, yoga, and dance (because, yes, dancing through life is sometimes the only way to survive), I began to honor my body’s natural need for rest. And I’ll be honest—once I finally accepted the slowness of winter, it felt like a warm hug from the universe telling me, “Girl, slow down.”

This journey has been a long one, but it’s taught me something valuable: it’s okay to slow down, to rest, and to honor the rhythms of nature. The winter solstice, a time of reflection and stillness, reminds us that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Just like the Earth hibernates, so too should we take the opportunity to rest and realign with our inner light. After all, even the strongest trees need a season of quiet to grow tall again. So why not give ourselves the same gift?

Aligning with the Cycles of the Earth

The winter solstice, occurring on December 21st at 4:41am, marks the longest night of the year and the return of the light. This sacred time invites us to pause, reflect, and listen to the rhythms of the Earth. While the world may be gearing up for the rush of the new year, the solstice reminds us that winter is not a time for striving or pushing forward. It is a time to honor the sacred rhythm of slowing down, surrendering, and going within.

As the Earth rests, so too should we. Winter is a time to align ourselves with the cycles of nature—acknowledging that there is a time for growth, a time for harvest, and a time for rest. Just as the trees shed their leaves and animals hibernate, we are called to pause, reflect, and recharge for the season of renewal that spring will bring.

The Invitation to Rest

The winter solstice provides us with a powerful opportunity to reflect on our relationship with rest. It's a time to listen to the whispers of our bodies, to trust that we can slow down without falling behind, and to reconnect with the stillness that exists within. When we align ourselves with this natural rhythm, we begin to realize that rest is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a necessary part of the cycle of life.

Embodiment Practices for the Winter Solstice

To fully honor the energies of the winter solstice, consider integrating these grounding and reflective embodiment practices. These will help you reconnect with your body, your breath, and the sacred rhythms of nature during this quiet time.

1. Grounding Meditation:
Sit or lie comfortably, and close your eyes. Visualize roots growing from the base of your spine or feet, extending deep into the Earth. Feel the stillness of the Earth beneath you, supporting you. Let go of any tension or expectations. Simply rest and be with yourself, knowing that you are held by the Earth.

2. Slow Movement:
Incorporate slow, deliberate movements into your day. Whether it’s gentle stretching, yoga, or a slow walk in nature, allow your movements to reflect the energy of winter. Slow down and honor the stillness of the season. With each movement, feel the connection between your body and the Earth beneath you.

3. Cacao Ceremony:
Winter solstice is a time to open your heart. Prepare a warm cup of ceremonial cacao and hold space for yourself. Set an intention to honor this time of rest, reflection, and the return of the light. Let the cacao deepen your connection to your heart and intuition.

Journaling Prompts for the Winter Solstice

Journaling is a powerful way to reflect on the season and connect with your inner wisdom. These prompts are designed to help you tap into the energy of the winter solstice and embrace the invitation to rest, reflect, and realign.

1. What is calling me to rest right now?
Consider areas of your life where you may be pushing too hard. Reflect on how you can make space for rest and relaxation in these areas.

2. What are the whispers of my inner wisdom?
Winter is a time for tuning into your intuition. What insights or messages have been quietly calling to you? Write about any wisdom your body, mind, or soul is offering you at this time.

3. How can I align with the rhythms of nature?
Reflect on how you are currently aligned with the Earth’s cycles. How can you honor the season of rest more deeply in your life? What small changes can you make to flow with the stillness of winter?

4. What am I ready to release before the new year?
The solstice is an opportunity to let go. What beliefs, habits, or situations are you ready to release to make space for new growth?

5. How can I nurture myself during this time of stillness?
Reflect on how you can prioritize self-care and nurturing practices during the winter months. What rituals or habits can you adopt to support your well-being during this sacred time?

Call to Action:

As we honor the winter solstice together, I invite you to reconnect with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of your soul. If you’re feeling called to dive deeper into self-reflection, rest, and energetic alignment, I’d love to support you on your journey.

Consider booking a one-on-one session with me, where we can explore your inner wisdom and create a practice that honors your need for rest and rejuvenation. Or, if you’re looking for a nourishing experience with community, join me for my Heart to Heart Candlelight Sound Bath & Energetic Alignment sessions to reconnect with your body and soul this season.

Visit jessicadiana.com to learn more about these offerings and book a session today.

Let’s embrace the stillness of winter and enter the new year with peace, clarity, and alignment.

Con mucho amor y luz,
Jessica Diana

jessicadiana.com
@jessicadiana.sol