Winter Warmth
A time to rest, pause and be
Dwell in a Warm Heart
Fish live in streams
Birds nest in trees
Human beings dwell
In warm hearts
Japanese Fold Saying from ‘A Zen Harvest’ by Soiju Shigematsu
When observing nature we see they, the trees and bees, do things differently when the temperature drops, light dims and the wind howls. They slow down, hibernate or just stay ‘at home’. Our bodies are also designed to do things differently as the seasons vary. But for most of us, our lifestyle does not support changing our routine, our practices, when winter arrives. We tend to do things ‘as normal’. Except, for turning up the heating, putting a thicker duvet on the bed and unpacking the coat, gloves, beanie and boots.
You may find it helpful to observe how you, your body, is managing these colder, darker months. Stop; feel how you are, listen to what you want and need. You may be feeling physically exhausted, weary, perpetually tired or have other sensations that are not your usual way of being.
Rather than simply ignoring or fighting against what your body is calling for, consider what you may be craving? How can you do things differently to improve your sense of self?
I offer some ideas for small changes, little actions, to help your enjoyment of these cooler months. It can be surprising how simple, little changes can restore a sense of joy and lightness in your life.
The core of what is often required in winter is rest. There are many ways to rest. The first, of course, is sleep. Many of us need more sleep during the winter months. Get to bed a little earlier or have an afternoon nap, perhaps at the weekend. A little more sleep can dramatically improve how you feel and your energy levels.
Other ways you may find to rest:
legs up the wall’, Vaparita Karani, 10 minutes before bed to enhance sleep, or during the day to reduce the sense of exhaustion or stress;
Practice ‘active dormancy’; anything that is a mix of resting and being mentally alert. Consider activities that you enjoy and find calming; like reading or craft activities. ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May is a good read. She observes how the seasons, our winters and summers, are the ebb and flow of life.
“In our winter, a transformation happened, we read, and we worked, and we problem solved, and we found new solutions. We changed our focus away from pushing through with normal life, and towards making a new one. When everything is broken, everything is up for grabs. That’s the gift or winter: it’s irresistible. Change will happen in its wake, whether we like it or not. We can come out of it wearing a different coat.”Resting can also be time spent with others, friends and family, as you do things together that you all enjoy; rug up and go for a winter walk or have a movie night;
It can even be a time to explore new opportunities; things you have been wanting to do or learn for some time. This can be restful while fun and interesting eg. join a new group exploring indoor activities like painting or garden design.
What are your rest practices?
Ayurveda in Winter
From an ayurveda perspective winter is the time of year when Vata, the qualities of cold and dry, are heightened. There are particular practices that can help maintain or create balance within the body by reducing the Vata influence. They oppose the freezing, windy and stagnant quantities of winter through the focus on warming, grounding and moisturising.
Some practices you may try are:
Oil your feet. Warm some sesame oil in your hands, and massage your feet. Then put on some cozy socks. Sesame oil has warming properties and the massage is grounding.
Add warming spices to meals and drinks:
ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon to breakfast cereal
cardamon to coffee
ginger in regular tea or try some ginger tea
cinnamon to roast sweet potato
find recipes with warming spices eg biryani, curry, moroccan chicken, add cumin or cardamom to pumpkin soup
be inventive adding; ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, fennel, cumin, mustard seeds, to dishes you regularly cook.
Dedicated time. Sometimes what we need is some stillness, a little quiet time:
listen to music
read poetry
care for your house plants
take a restorative yoga or yoga nidra class
have a quiet time sipping tea.
AND keep moving. Do things you enjoy to that keep you warm and make you feel good - walking, yoga, gym, swimming, pickleball, cycling; the beginning of the endless list of fun activities.
Be imaginative, be creative to find and do things that make you feel good, alive while also enabling a quieting a settling within.
Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Sunday Eve - A Deep Nourishing Rest
1st Sunday of the Month
@ Breathing Space 4-6pm
I have recommenced a monthly Sunday Eve Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. It starts on August 2nd, 4-6pm, @ Breathing Space. It will continue, the first Sunday of each month and become a ritual for me and perhaps for you too. (It is not a course to book for but a drop in, a monthly addition to life, when you choose.)
For enquiries, bookings and payment email me: clare@foodandbody.com.au or phone 0478035415
Cost is $40, with a 25% discount, $30, if paid a week early.
If you are unfamiliar with these yoga practices, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, be encouraged, they are gentle and nourishing.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga provides an opportunity for the body to let go of deep holding patterns that cause muscle and joint pain, as well as physical and mental tension. Postures, while similar to some active yoga poses, are help for 5 to 15 minutes with the support of blankets, blocks and bolsters. This enables both the body and mind to come into a state of deep relaxation and centredness.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, also known as ‘yogic sleep’, is an ‘extended Savasana’. It is resting in “a state between dream and awakening … a moment of hope.”
The practice activates your body’s natural relaxation response with: no effort, but allowing; no doing, but stopping and remembering what is already within you.
Through Yoga Nidra you can reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, support emotional healing and self-awareness.
Note:
I also offer Yoga Nidra on a Thursday Eve,
5.15-6.00 @ Feelgood Female Fitness
Contact me if you are interested (gym membership is required)
NEW CLASSES
Tuesday morning @ Mt Stuart
Sunday Evening @ Breathing Space (monthly, 1st Sunday)
Go to https://www.foodandbody.com.au/yoga for links to enquiry
Offerings
ways to nourish yourself
Yoga Retreat
January 27 - 30th, Winnaleah, 2027
Find time to dream.
I am dreaming of summer. One of my joys in mid summer is the Yoga Retreat @ Winnaleah, 27th-30th Jan,
It is timed to provide the opportunity to reflect and consider whatever your intention, sankalpa, while basking in the warmth and the natural beauty of NE Tasmania.
During this retreat you may consider and/or experience the opposites within life:
movement and stillness
quiet time and community
the fullness of nature and the comfort of cosy interiors
tasty, nourishing food with no preparation or cooking
Places are limited, it and was fully booked in January ’26.Contact meto express interest and book.
THE SENSES
The way into your feelings.
Smell - what I am smelling?
Taste - what I am eating?
Roasted Cauliflower with Spices
Roasted Cauliflower cooked with warming spices
Roasted Cauliflower with Spices
Ingredients
Preparation: 10 mins Cook: 20-25 mins Serve: 4+
1 medium cauliflower
1 tbsp ground peanuts or peanut butter
1 tbsp tamari or soya sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cardamon
Method
PREHEAT the over to 190 C/ 375 F/Gas 5.
CUT the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
GRIND the spices.
MIX the spices with the remaining ingredients, adding water to make a thin paste.
COAT the cauliflower in the paste and spread on a baking tray as a single layer.
COVER the tray with foil.
BAKE for 15 minutes.
REMOVE the foil.
STIR the florets and return to the oven, uncovered, for a further 5-10 minutes. (The texture of the cauliflower should be soft while retaining its shape.)
Serve
With wedges of lime and chopped coriander and roasted nuts.
Cool for a salad, adding a mix of other vegetables such as tomato and celery.
Warm or cool on a bowl of brown rice, topped with roasted nuts as a delicious light supper.
Notes
There are many alternative spice combos you could try. Substitute these spices with garam masala or a blend of herbs and tahini to pour over the cauliflower before baking.
Sight - what I am seeing
A clear, crisp, beautiful night in Hobart.
Sound -what I am listening to?
The pitter, patter of rain on the roof. It is a sound I relish as I lie curled up in bed, warm and safe, in a quiet, dark space. The ideal environment for rest and enhanced by the rhythmical sound of rain.
Touch - what am I feeling?
The Recipe for Relaxation
safety
stillness
quiet
darkness
warmth
Bake for 2 hours
Sunday Evening - A Nourishing Rest
@ Breathing Space,
13b Goulburn St.
1st Sunday every month, 4-6pm
(next session August 2nd)
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