My time wintering wasn’t what I expected.
I had visions of hygge-licious days filled with soft light, warm blankets, good books, puppy snuggles, and naps.
There was some of all those things. And there was a lot of work.
Instead of being curled up under a blanket with a book in my hands and a dog partially laying in my lap for hours, I spent a lot of time reviewing and reflecting on the past year. I'm still sifting and sorting through it all.
For sure, there were moments of joy, but the time was not entirely enjoyable. Sprinkled amidst periods of contentment were moments of grief because this time wasn’t unfolding as I had imagined.
I had planned to do some reflecting during my wintering, but the work was harder than anticipated. The time felt more like winter at work than winter at rest, which makes sense. Although everything appears asleep during winter, there’s a lot of work being done below the surface.
Once I accepted that I had no control over how this time was unfolding, I had a choice to make.
I could resist reality. Or, I could follow where I was being led and do the work I was being asked to do.
I chose, somewhat begrudgingly, to do the work.
There’s an old Roman saying, “The fates lead those who will [follow a call]. Those who won’t they drag.”
I’ve been dragged before and have learned that it’s easier to follow where I’m being led even when I don’t know where it’s leading.
Getting to work
Part of the work I did was engaging with the Ring in the True practice. When I started this practice last year, I found it provided helpful guidance and clarity for the months ahead as well as helping to focus my energy.
Over three days last month, I pulled three Allowing Prayers cards (pictures below). This year, for fun, I used the digital version of my deck. The experience proved no less magical or meaningful.
The cards I received were …
Allow Healing
Allow Acceptance
Allow New Beginnings
The cards on their own are already proving powerful.
For example, I’ve been challenged with accepting that the plans I had for doing my own work this month were being sidelined when both of our dogs sustained injuries. I felt frustrated by trying to continue doing my work while also attending to their needs.
The Allow Acceptance card reminded me that I have been resisting what is, which is that Henry and McKenna need my help. By accepting that my work could wait, I have been able to show up with more compassion—for them and for myself—and trust that the time for my work will come soon enough.
Without question, there is much to be gained by working with each invitation individually. However, I have found that the cards as a group have even more potency because they work in harmony with one another.
Taken together, the cards I received tell me that when I heal whatever is keeping me stuck, it allows space for the possibility of a new beginning in some area of my life. And a new beginning offers the opportunity to acknowledge and accept what hasn’t been serving me and to let it go, which allows space for healing.
While I have done Ring in the True as a new year ritual, you can use this practice any time you’re feeling stuck and want some clarity and guidance. It’s also a supportive practice whenever you’re at a new threshold like the change of seasons, your birthday, or starting a new job or project.
You can learn more about the Allowing Prayers card deck, including the digital version, here.
