The Winter Solstice: A Time for Rest & Reflection

The Winter Solstice marks the perfect time for self-care, reflection, and renewal. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the day when the Earth’s axis tilts the furthest away from the sun, creating the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the Western tradition, the Winter Solstice marks the start of winter and the beginning of the astronomical winter season.

Much like Sun’s cycles, our lives are filled with periods of light and darkness. The Winter Solstice is an invitation to reflect on those moments…

What was your darkest hour? How did you get out of it? When did the light come back, and when did you rediscover your potential?

As we reflect on our journeys from the year behind us and envision the light ahead of us, we start to consider our goals for the new year.

The Winter Solstice in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Winter Solstice is a time of great significance. It marks the peak of winter and Yin energy (cold, dark, and still), as well as the gradual return of Yang energy (warm, light, and active). This is the time for prioritizing Yin — rest, nourishment, and preservation of energy to harmonize with nature’s rhythms.

Embracing Yin: TCM Tips for Winter Wellness

Rest. Winter is a time to slow down, conserve energy, and focus inward, aligning with the natural world’s restorative phase. Short days and long nights also means going to bed earlier and waking later.

Nourishment. The physical body absorbs nutrients best in the winter. Therefore, eat nourishing foods, such as bone broth soups with healing herbs, soups and stews, shrimp, walnuts, black beans and kidney beans, black foods, and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Strengthening Immunity: Herbal remedies, such as ginseng and astragalus, and tonics like bone broth, bolster the body’s defenses during the cold months.

Preservation. Set boundaries in your social life, put yourself first and take care of your own well-being. Get acupuncture to help restore balance, tend to dis-ease, and foster rest and relaxation. Clear toxicity from your life with decluttering and cleaning.

Introspection. Look inward to find your potential, overcome fears and recognize the opportunity for hope and renewal.

A Time of Reflection

To ancient Taoists, the mysterious blend of Yin and Yang at the exact moment of the solstice signifies a time for creational energy — a time for new ideas and conception. Another perspective offers that as the seeds of Yang germinate in the vast stillness of Yin, the possibility of new creation and rebirth grows.

Therefore, the Winter Solstice is considered to be a a prime time for reflection, renewal and the germination of ideas. So, strip away distractions and reconnect with yourself. Harness this powerful moment to:

• Journal: Reflect deeply on your life—your challenges, growth, and victories. What do you want to create or achieve in the year ahead?
• Set Clear Goals: Treat the solstice as the true beginning of your self-actualization journey. Align your intentions with the sun’s return and craft a vision for the next six months.
• Reverse Engineer Your Path: Visualize the Summer Solstice (June 20, 2025) as your summit. Where do you want to be by then? Map out the steps needed to reach that goal.

Use this season of stillness to lay the groundwork for a transformative year ahead.

And, don’t forget that this is the time of year to take the most care — get plenty of rest, be good to yourself, eat nourishing and warm foods, and allow for moments of relaxation and introspection. And if it begins to feel like the cold, dark winter is too much, remember that more light and new beginnings are just ahead.

Sources:

Editors, History.com. “Winter Solstice.” HISTORY.

Grim, Evan Nathaniel. “Winter Solstice: How to Ascend.” Substack.

Higgins, Courtney Jay. “What Is Winter Solstice, And How Can We Celebrate?” The Good Trade.

Mao, Janice. “Winter Solstice: The Ultimate Yin.” Double Happiness Health.

Wen, Bennebel. “The Winter Solstice, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a Time for Repose.” North Atlantic Books.

“Winter Soltice: Yin Meets Yang.” Good Point Acupuncture.

Photo by Daniel Faro