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December 17, 2006 | Winter Solstice 2006
See the Beauty in the Dark A friend of mine recently said that she aimed to go gently into and through this Dark Time. I immediately thought of words by Dylan Thomas 'do not go gently into this good night' a rather more morbid view of facing death; however, I realised that this is the way many people face the winter...kicking, screaming and fighting the season; generally in a negative frame of mind. Add to that, grief issues for many, reluctant family commitments, crass commercialism and 'I want' values... it sounds like a recipe for disaster leading up to Christmas. And I know that daylight savings has a lot to answer for many people having almost jet lag like symptoms during November, so when the dark time really hits, their body clock is arrhythmic. However, Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons with the chance for Mother Nature to clear her own cobwebs through violent storms and powerful darkness. To balance this, people have developed many different celebrations of the coming of the light - Advent celebrates the coming of the sun or Son; Hannukah is a celebration of Light; Solstice celebrates the return of the sun and Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of the Light of the World. None of these is about Santa Claus and how much stuff you get under the tree! Sure, buying or making presents and cards can be fun; choosing the perfect tree and making it beautiful is inspiring...but for many these things just add to the stress of the Dark. I had the chance during the recent snow and wind storms to be still and see the Season coming in around me. As a former Scottish SAD sufferer, I am pleased to be living in a place with more daylight during winter hours; I know my Vitamin D levels are low and I try to get outside as much as possible. For me, the snow is a playmate, the lack of power provides a chance to prepare for the dark properly and bring my own light in. The wind provides more than enough fir and cedar boughs for wreaths, the traditional Adventkrantz, and house decorations; I am looking forward to having my parents in my space for Christmas for the first time ever, and I am keeping Hannukah for my partner who is offshore until January. I am also listening to and singing as much good music as I can, and avoiding shops that have strip lighting, piped music and 'santa elves' for helpers. I have taken my friend's advice and am moving through the season gently - there is fear in surrender, but...the world moves naturally in the season cycles and our biorhythms respond gratefully when given the chance to move with the world. I wish you a happy, peaceful Hannukah, New Moon, Solstice, Yuletide and Christmas... love and light, Rasma Dates Please email me or ring (250) 538-1804 to book. Salt Spring Island, BC I am mobile or you can visit me at the Arbutus Therapy Centre in Ganges from January. Victoria I come over to Victoria quite regularly, so please email me or call to see what works for both of us. UK All sessions now available by subspace. Other Events SALT SPRING OPEN HOUSE Not sure what either of my therapies do? Or if you will like them? Why not try one or both as a 20 minute taster. Dates Arbutus Centre: TBA Suggested minimum donation $10 Why not get a group together for a pampering party at your home? My Qualifications
Phone: (250) 538-1804 - I check messages regularly
So, the clocks have gone back; you now have to get up in the dark and come home from work in the dark. In the Northern Hemisphere many animals are hibernating, and you probably feel like joining them. The alternative is possibly another long winter where you feel irritable, fatigued and gain weight...until Spring comes along and the sun returns from its own hibernation. Do you have SAD? The above symptoms are typical of someone who has seasonal affective disorder, but how much of this is a label to allow prescriptions of anti-depressants and how much is us trying to be as busy as the rest of the year, and just not slowing down when the rest of the world does? More cases of SAD are reported in northern countries and at higher latitudes, with twice as many women as men diagnosed. Symptoms generally include feelings of irritability, discomfort in social situations and low energy. More specifically, people with SAD tend to sleep in, crave sweets and starchy carbohydrates, which leads to the weight gain. There is a proven lowering of or inability to properly metabolise serotonin (the happiness hormone). Unlike other forms of depression, SAD is not triggered by external circumstances such as job stress; however, the fact that it coincides with one of the busiest times of year; increased family stress, and too much partying doesn't help. In Balance : Out of Balance Here are some interesting facts about the Season of Winter:
- Stimulate your endorphins with some form of regular exercise- combining this with a half hour lunchtime walk when there is maximum daylight (even on non-sunny days) is ideal. Natural Therapies Take winter head-on...don't be SAD!
We all have strong associations of this time of year with people, particularly loved ones. Some of these loved ones may not be in our lives at Christmas by reason of geography, death, divorce or other forms of loss. The following information has been provided by Randie Clark, a counsellor on Salt Spring Island (who has also provided the poem at th end of the newsletter), and I hope it will provide some comfort for those who are grieving, lonely or just too stressed to enjoy the holiday season. It focuses on seeking comfort, making meaning and self care. Reduce Stress Practice the Art of Saying ‘No!’ Watch for the Self-Destructive Habits Seek to be with People who Understand Be Kind to Yourself Spotlight on a Friend Casey Mulcaster: Trispiral Aromatherapy & Proudflesh Imagine yourself welcomed into a warm room with ambient lighting and calming music. A warm footbath containing hand picked beach pebbles waits on the floor in front of a comfie chair. You immerse your feet while chatting about your medical history. Then your feet and calves are lovingly cleaned and creamed. The session continues with a full back massage using pure oils and smells that you have chosen for yourself. While your back is being pampered your feet are cozy and warm supported by a hot water bottle. The aroma is divine and you slip into a relaxed trance state allowing your body to release tension, pain and stress. A beautiful and fragrant facial, complete with cucumbers and cocoa essential oil (who says chocolate isn't allowed!), finishes the relaxing 2 hour therapy session. Blissed...you float out the door to face the rest of your day and week looking and feeling years younger. Casey says its a two way process...whatever she gives, she also receives, and judging by her resultant haircut after my session, it truly is so! This is a sample of what you can enjoy from Casey's divine ministrations...full details are on her website. Casey also makes a range of body care products including soaps, lip balms, massage oils and herbal salves under the tradename Proudflesh. She is based in Victoria and can be contacted on (250) 360-9077.
Mince Pies Where would we be without the traditional mince pie...actually these don't bear any resemblance to the original mince pie, and in these days of pre-made pastry you have the choice of rolling your own using the tried and tested method handed down through generations, or buying premade shells either normal or gluten free! But the filling is the important bit, and provides a relatively healthy sweet alternative to chocolate and candy canes. 200g raisins Enough pastry for 24 pies (although mix makes enough for 60, so jar the extra for next time) In a large bowl, mix the fruit with the spices. Chop the apple into very small pieces (but not mush) and add to the mix. Grate the peel off the lemon and add to mix. Cut the lemon into small pieces and chop finely in a processor. Mix into fruit along with alcohol and juice. Mix well and leave to stand for 24-48 hours. To make the pies, pre heat oven to 180C/350F/GM4. Make and/or roll out the pastry and cut it to line your pie tins. Fill with fruit mix and top with pastry lids. Paint with a beaten egg or milk (or alternative) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from tins when still warm and cool on rack. Serve with brandy butter, or your favourite topping, or just plain. POEM Winter Geese - by Mary Oliver You do not have to be good House keeping: 1. Please feel free to pass this on to people you think may be interested or would benefit from a therapy session. 2. If you do not want to receive this regular mailing, please unsubscribe by following the clear link. 3. Likewise, if you have received this via someone else, and would like to be added to the group, please join the mailing list or send me your email address. 4. If you work for a company, where staff might benefit from stress reduction sessions, please pass this on to your HR manager.
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