Honoring the Winter Season: A Mother's Call to Slow Down

In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild podcast, co-hosts Monica and Carolyn gathered to explore the theme of wintering—a powerful, soul-aligned invitation to rest, reflect, and simplify. As the episode aired near the winter solstice, the pair spoke from their homes in Norway and Canada, where cold, dark days invited a natural pause.

What Is Wintering, Really?

Wintering, as Monica and Carolyn described, isn’t just a seasonal buzzword—it’s an instinctual and ancestral rhythm. It’s a mirror to what the earth itself is doing: retreating, conserving, and preparing for eventual rebirth. Monica pointed out the tension that exists this time of year, particularly for mothers. While nature asks us to slow down, society asks us to do more—plan holidays, buy gifts, manage events, and close out professional projects.

Carolyn echoed this, noting how even animals hibernate while humans push through, often against their own internal knowing. “It’s wild how nature is literally showing us what to do,” she said, reflecting on her own desire to cook hearty meals and stay cozy at home. Yet, she acknowledged how hard it can be to find stillness when so much is asked of us.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact

So how do we embrace wintering when we can’t simply abandon all responsibilities? The co-hosts offered practical, compassionate suggestions:

Regulate your nervous system: Carolyn described how even in quiet moments, her body often resisted rest. She shared practices like body shaking, deep breathing, and a simple sensory-based grounding tool: identifying five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you can taste.
Go barefoot and ground: Monica spoke of a daily ritual she uses—walking barefoot outside, even in Norway’s winter cold. "It’s a way to return to earth," she said, “and visualize releasing everything that no longer serves me.”
Wrap yourself in softness: A fellow community member shared how wrapping up in a cozy blanket is her go-to reset tool. Weighted blankets or thick knits can provide a sense of safety and grounding, particularly in overstimulating environments.

Simplifying the Holiday Hustle

The podcast also referenced their recent “Slow Living for the Holidays” workshop, where mothers gathered to discuss tangible ways to find space in the chaos. One key takeaway: simplifying. Carolyn encouraged listeners to strip things down to the essentials—good food, fresh air, rest.

Monica added that saying “no” to what doesn’t serve—whether that’s holiday cards, big parties, or Pinterest-level expectations—can free up energy to actually enjoy the season. “You have the permission to make it feel good for your family,” she reminded.

Practicing Presence in the Everyday

Presence was a golden thread throughout the episode. Monica shared that when her children return home in the afternoon, she puts her phone away—creating a screen-free window of connection. “It’s not just about what you’re missing when you’re not present,” she said. “It’s also what the people around you feel—they know when you’re not truly there.”

Reflecting, Not Rushing

As the year closes, the cultural conversation often shifts to productivity: new goals, resolutions, and a push to improve. But Monica and Carolyn challenged that notion. “The end of the year isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about honoring what’s been,” Carolyn said.

She shared highlights from her blog post "Winter’s Embrace," which encourages mothers to reflect instead of rush. Reflection prompts included:

When did I feel most like my authentic self this year?
What five things am I proud of, big or small?

One creative idea from the blog: a "memory jar." Throughout the year, write down joyful or meaningful moments on slips of paper and save them in a jar. At the year’s end, read through them and remember how much growth happened in small, sacred ways.

The Lunar New Year and Rhythmic Living

Monica reminded listeners that the Gregorian calendar isn’t the only way to measure time. The Lunar New Year, based on the moon’s cycles, often feels more aligned with natural rhythms and internal energy. For those who feel off in January, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to take your time. There’s no rush to have everything figured out on January 1st.

Intentions Over Resolutions

Instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions, both Monica and Carolyn shared that they prefer soul-based intentions. Carolyn’s 2024 word was “Connection and Collaboration,” and reflecting back, she could see how that intention guided so many choices.

Monica’s upcoming focus is on body care and healing—after a year of big transitions and personal upheaval, her body is asking for rest, attention, and nourishment. “It’s not selfish,” she said. “It’s essential.”

Community as a Container

Both hosts celebrated the Wand(HER)wild member space as a sacred container where these conversations continue. It’s a virtual hearth for mothers craving alignment, support, and a return to seasonal, soulful living. Inside, members access past workshops, new monthly events, and an encouraging chat space for sharing wins and worries alike.

There’s also an upcoming January in-person Slow Living Retreat—where Monica and Carolyn will guide participants in embodying the very practices they discuss on the podcast.

Closing Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Do More

The episode concluded with heartfelt reminders:

You’re allowed to rest.
You’re allowed to reflect.
You’re allowed to take your time.

And if your 2025 begins with stillness instead of speed, know that you’re already in alignment with something ancient and true. Winter invites us to soften, to quiet, to listen. Within that stillness, something new is always quietly growing.

Want to Go Deeper?

If this story resonates with you, we invite you to explore more. Visit our free resources, upcoming digital events, in person family retreats, and follow us on Substack or follow us on Instagram for conversations on self-healing and intentional living. Let’s walk this path together.