The winter blues are real

Happy February.

As the seasons shift, so do our daily experiences, world events, or the needs of our family, friends and communities.

For those affected by LA’s ongoing cleanup, many are facing new challenges with pollution and debris. While the fires have passed, the work of restoring the environment continues. 

I am also holding in my heart all those who have lost loved ones in recent aviation disasters. In moments of such deep grief, may the power of healing prayers strengthen us as a compassionate people, where remembrance brings comfort and unity in our shared humanity. 

I also pray for the remaining hostages of October 7th to soon be released.

And as if all of the current events weren’t enough, many of us are affected by the winter blues. Even in its darkness, we have the power to choose light. 

What can you do in three seconds or minutes? Consider breathing with awareness and leaning on gratitude for any big or small accomplishments  

Adjusting your mood. 

1. Turn lights up inside the house and burn candles to brighten the room. Light therapy is an option too.
2. Move into any form of creativity to relieve stress and boost happy hormone levels. Painting, pottery, knitting, quilting, beading or writing in a journal to name a few.. 
3. Spend time in nature or with animals. Pets are known to reduce stress and improve emotions, so if you don’t already have one, consider taking a trip to the animal shelter!  

It’s not easy to adjust our emotions when outside noise and internal landscapes, dialogue and external conversations feel beyond our control. If you’re feeling down or unmotivated during winter’s sluggish months or anytime of year, no need to fret – you’re not alone! Like winter, postpartum blues for moms after childbirth are real. Giving ourselves a chance to feel each emotion such as overwhelm, boredom, loss or grief exposes our raw truth. When health matters shift and we get out of the way before lightning strikes, life’s metaphors related to second nature thoughts no matter the situation can help us identify the emotional source we want to change. 

That’s why paying attention to your mood and watching your emotions rise and eventually settle can help us see how quickly temperaments like thoughts frequently change. 

Always come back to self observance to come back to the healthier foundation you built. Be gentle with yourself though this process. Lighten your mood to come out of the darkness… 

May we advocate for our brothers and sisters of the world by seeking support and connection. 

Stay radiant, stay strong, and let’s uplift one another.

You’ve got this my friend, Keep going,,, 

And even if the Valentine’s season may feel a bit trivial or you don’t observe the holiday, may it bring us closer to our hearts with its focus on love,

Love and Light

xoxoxo

Marla