RESToration đź’¤ [The Goods]
Hello beloved!
And welcome to another edition of The Goods, where I share a handful of ideas, resources, tools and practices that are improving the quality of my life, in the hopes some of these things will spark inspiration and feel resonant for you.
This month’s edition is all about glorious
R E S T
All too often, we perceive January as “go time” — and fail to remember a very obvious truth… we are in winter! This is a time to restore, rejuvenate and replenish our minds, bodies and spirits from the big push of the seasons prior. May this edition offer some permission for you to take the time you need to PAUSE and get some much needed rest.
[podcast] How to actually rest by Simone Seol
{24 min listen} I love Simone, and she offers some fantastic reframes and paradigm shifts around rest in this podcast episode. Definitely worth a listen.
[book] Wintering by Katherine May
This book has been on my desired reading list for some time, and I've finally dug in this season. I'm enjoying the easy pace and contemplations that come through this series of thematic stories and snapshots. 'Wintering' is one woman's story of rest and recovery, through a refreshing and holistic perspective on what rest actually looks like across space, time and culture.
[practice] Epsom Salt Baths
I was hanging out with one of my very best friends recently, and she said “I don’t know anyone else who takes baths as seriously as Britta does.” I felt myself swell with pride! I DO take bath time very seriously :) If, like me, you feel like a new human after taking a bath, perhaps you might consider scheduling it in your calendar. What might it feel like to give yourself permission to take one bath per week? How about two or three per week? Heck, how about a week where you take daily baths?!? (now we’re talkin…) Epsom salt baths can be deeply restorative on every level, dosing us with magnesium and inviting us to pause and simply take pleasure. Also a great time to read a book, listen to an audiobook or podcast, revel in some delicious music, or enjoy the silence.
[podcast] The Wisdom of Winter: archetypal wisdom for the season of rest
{33 min listen} I recorded this podcast episode last year, and it’s part of a 4-episode series on the archetypal energies of each season. Winter holds many gifts for us… reflection, introspection, rest. It is where we dwell in the imaginal realms and traverse liminal spaces. May this podcast episode invite you into your own process of wintering.
[playlist] Winter Warrior on Spotify
A soulful, rousing and encouraging playlist for the longest, darkest months! Play it straight through or on shuffle, as you please.
[medicines] My personal sleep aids + best practices
Sleep has been a fickle mistress for me since 2020. It used to be so easy… alas! Now I find that I must be diligent and careful to tend myself so that I’m creating the best possible conditions for a good night’s rest. Here are some of my personal best tips, medicines, and practices that work (most of the time).
Hot epsom salt bath before bed
Turn off screen for at least an hour before sleep
Dim the lights 1-2 hours before sleep
Use a warm colored reading light and read a book
Use an eye mask or black-out curtains if there’s a lot of ambient light
Use a white noise machine if there are noises in your space or neighborhood that often wake you up in the middle of the night
To the best of your ability, don’t use an alarm — this is my latest sleep hack. For some mysterious reason, I find I feel more rested if I allow my body to naturally wake up on its own rather than jolting it awake with an alarm. Often, I wake up around the same time or even earlier than I would if I set an alarm!
[podcast] Don’t Buy That Sweater - Radio Atlantic
{27 min listen} Lastly, since this is a winter-themed edition, I’ll share this podcast episode that is a huge wake-up call and a sobering reality of the declining quality of our sweaters (and clothing in general). I’m feeling deeply inspired to uplevel my wardrobe right now. One aspect of this endeavor is to stop buying poor quality clothes that are mostly plastic, which not only don’t last but also contribute to the global crisis of pollution. There’s a lot more to be said about this topic, but perhaps, like me, you’ll decide to let this episode be an initial invitation to contemplate your buying choices.
Alright dear one, I wish you a splendid winter season, and as much rest as your body requires!
Remember that when we take the time to actually fill our cup, we will be that much more resourced and able to *spring* into action at the turn of the season…
Sleepily yours,