“Have you ever seen a seed fallen to earth not rise with a new life, why should you doubt the rise of a seed named human.” – Rumi
Rest
I never understood the enthusiasm around New Year’s Eve. It’s New Year’s Day that I want to celebrate: the crossing of the threshold, the blank slate of opportunity, a chance to begin anew. The traditions around celebrating the New Year, as well as the setting of resolutions originate in ancient times. Some say it began with Babylonians, who marked the event with twelve days of celebrating, combined with promises to return borrowed tools, pay back debts and set positive intentions for the coming year.
Over the years, I’ve come to avoid the hype around setting resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Thanks to many years spent working on a farm, I now take a different approach to this cycle on the calendar. Rather than brace against the colder, shorter days of winter, I welcome them. They offer a respite from the long days of June and July, when I harness the sun’s energy to garden (which I just LOVE). During our northeast winter days – mid-December to mid-March – I lean into my body’s desire to slow down and sleep more. I indulge in lots of hot tea, soups, and heartier dishes made from roots, beans and noodles, realizing my body needs those extra calories to stay warm on winter walks. Later this month, I’ll start a new series in partnership with Griffin Health offering FREE cooking sessions at their teaching kitchen in Oxford, CT. If you’re local, you can sign up HERE.
Setting Intentions
As the New Year coincides with the calendar timing of turning inward, this is the perfect time to think of “re-potting.” When I can’t tend to my garden outside I pay more attention to the plants greening my indoor space, trimming, fertilizing and occasionally moving or repotting them. And just like our plants that occasionally need extra TLC, this is a good time of year to think about “re-potting” ourselves. In the most extreme sense, this can certainly take the form of changing jobs, ending a relationship, or moving. However, changes don’t need to be drastic to have a lasting impact on our day to day health.
Ask yourself, “What small actions can I take that will keep me grounded, but make me feel like I am growing or moving forward?”
Rejuvenate
It only takes the drop of a pebble in a pond to cause ripples across the entire surface. Similarly, reading 15 minutes a day, disconnecting from the constant onslaught of media a few times a week, or walking more are all small actions that can have long term benefits for you and those in your circle. Exploring a different neighborhood or trail while walking the dog, or eating fewer meals out, and picking up the phone to check in with a loved one (instead of text) can bring into the present moment and boost serotonin, alleviating stress often induced by outside forces or worrying about past or upcoming actions. Note: remember, not everyone will be in the same headspace as you. But don’t let that deter you. The better your own physical and mental health, the more power you have to radiate a positive influence on those around you.
Just as many perennial plants (for you novices out there, those are the ones that come back year after year) are taking time right now to reroot and re-energize themselves. Plants use this season to send their energy down into the root systems, conserving resources for when light and moisture return in abundance, when they will reinvigorate themselves to leave out and bloom again.
Reinvigorate
Try it: try giving yourself the gift of hibernation by curling up in bed with a mountain of blankets and pillows to cradle you, while also imagining the possibility of what may come. Hug a tree and drink in the sunshine (albeit brief) and appreciate that, without the dip in temps, you may not be as inclined to relish a delicious bowl of soup, get lost in a book or savor a cup of tea. When the weather allows, bundle up and go for a walk – with a partner or in solitude. Try to avoid plugging into some form of media; there’s plenty of time for that. You’ll be surprised at how grounding this can be, and also how invigorating! It also helps me sleep better at night. Just like the trees in your yard or nearby forest, this is a season of rebuilding your root structure so your foundation will support you throughout the remainder of the seasons.
One of the pleasures I also take in this time of year is visiting my local winter farmer’s market. Not only is it an opportunity to get out and socialize a bit (I either run into folks I know or strike up conversations with the producers), but it inspires me to keep my cooking routine fresh with ingredients I might not find in the supermarket. Winter squash, hearty greens and roots like celeriac and radish are great additions to almost any dish. BONUS: produce found this time of year is actually supplying your body with key nutrients it needs this time of year such as fiber, vitamin C, A & K. Orange and red veggies are rich in carotenoids, manganese, and folate. Remember that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Below is a recipe for a 10-minute soup that is both filling and loaded with seasonal veggies from the market.
So remember: In spite of the everyday pressures of a job or family, it’s okay to take a little time this month and do as the plants and animals do in nature. Rest. Replenish. Rejuvenate.
10 Minute Lentil Soup
My daughter introduced me to red lentils a few years ago. Packed with protein, fiber and iron, these cook in half the time as brown lentils. They also add a wonderful color to dishes and their creamy texture is amazing. Double the recipe if you’re cooking for the family.
2 cups vegetable stock or miso
3 stalks kale (any variety), chopped
½ a carrot, sliced
1 tbsp chopped onion or 1 tsp onion powder
¼ cup red lentils
¼ cup hakurei turnip or radish, cut in small cubes
Add all ingredients to a small pot. Bring to a boil then reduce and simmer for 10 minutes. Check vegetables to make sure they are tender. Garnish with a sprinkle of Liquid Aminos. If you’re really hungry, add a slice of bread or crackers with some manchego cheese. Sharing is caring; let me know if you make this recipe!