Yule is a time of deepest winter. The shortest day and longest night. It is a time when you naturally feel like drawing into yourself and hunkering down. However, It is also a time of great positivity, the days will now start to draw out and get longer and soon spring will be here.
So what to do during the darker days and longer nights?
Start a craft project.
I always find myself drawn to knitting or creating in the winter months. Even baking will do. In the summer I always want to be outside in nature but during the winter I like to be inside, cosy and warm. I love to feel safe and warm and even love listening to the rain pattering on the window panes and the wind howling. All this whilst sitting in the warm by a fire creating something with my hands makes me feel very happy.
Setting goals for the coming year.
For the majority of people, Yule time tends to coincide with time off, so why not use that time wisely and set some goals for the coming year. Remember to also reflect on the year that has passed. What went well, what could have gone better and what would you like to change this coming year? Write the goals down and, if necessary, break them down into little steps that you can do each day to help you to achieve them.
Meditate
Set some time aside each day to do some gentle meditation. Whether this is simply focusing on your breath for 10 minutes or listening to a meditation on an app or something that you have downloaded. Meditation is proven to reduce stress and improve wellbeing so start to include it in your daily routine.
Journalling
Think about starting a daily habit of journalling, record the happenings of your day and at least three things about each day that you are grateful for. This will help you to concentrate on the positive things in your life and your unconscious mind will instinctively seek out more of the same.
Walk in Nature
Wrap up warm and go for a walk in the forest. Spending time in nature, whatever the weather, will boost your mood and benefit your mind body and soul. Just make sure that you are wearing the right clothing for the weather conditions!
Create an altar for Yule
The colours associated with Yule are traditionally red, green and white. You can put whatever you are drawn to on your own altar, whether you want some bright green and red berried holly, some crystals, candles or ribbon. The only rule is that there are no rules. Your altar is personal to you. You may want to burn some incense for the season too. Just remember not to leave naked flames unattended.
