A New Year, in mid- winter? Really?
Many of us have just gathered around sitting rooms, bars and communal spaces at 12am to cheer in the ‘new year’. For many of us, especially in western societies, we have now entered into a new year. The idea of starting a new year can bring up many different energies and emotions. We can often experience excitement and anticipation wrapped in trepidation for the year to come and the weight of expectation to achieve all our goals. Whilst it is important for us to spend some time planning any goals/milestones we may like to accomplish in the new year, we must remember to be gentle with ourselves and not create a weight of pressure before the year has actually begun.
It is also important to be gentle with ourselves as we are still in the depths of winter, for us in the UK, we still have 2 months of winter before any warmth of spring is felt. It isn’t normal for us to start big projects, strive towards reaching goals and make big decisions whilst nature, the season and ourselves are still resting and retreating. To be able to start creating new habits, a lifestyle change or a goal, it requires a consistent and intense amount of energy. Winter is not the season for this type of mindset; the energy of winter itself is more depleted, yet restorative. A softer energy that displays itself through the shorter days, colder weather and more challenging conditions. By experiencing these aspects of winter, it allows us to rest, slow down and reflect on the busier seasons. So instead of rushing to make loads of plans, big goals and intentions, allow yourself to rest and recover from the past year. By properly taking care of yourself, you will be able to then set goals that come from a place of clarity and energy, not scarcity and fatigue .
For other people, the New year begins 20th March, the Spring Equinox. This has been celebrated for over 4000 years in many different cultures. From Nowruz being the Persian New year to Ostra, the Pagen festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and new beginnings. The celebration of the new year has been deeply rooted into almost all of our cultures, and was slowly changed over time, starting with the introduction coming from Julius Ceasear. This change from January to March is not in alignment with our ancestors and ancient way of living. It doesn’t align with our seasons and way of living. So instead of feeling as though you have to go full steam ahead during winter, remember that it is not the only way to move into a new year. Balance the areas of life where you may have to accept the new year beginning already, whilst personally allowing yourself more rest before you come into a more natural new year brin ging.
I like to follow the more ancient calendar in my personal life, whilst living with the ‘new’ calendar within the society. This means that for me, I am still resting and enjoying slowing down. I have focused on making small changes to my days and habits, so that, when it comes to spring, I have a strong foundation to build upon.
As we move into January, keep in mind that you do not need to put a lot of pressure and expectation into the next few months. Whilst we all want to start creating our visions for 2026, remember that the new year truly begins in March, as the season and Equinox symbolises. So let yourself rest some more, so that the weight of pressure and expectation can be lifted.