Slow living - rituals for dark evenings
Although some view Winter and the New Year as a time for new beginnings, healthy habits and promises to ourselves, many believe that a more ancient pattern is to view Winter as a season of rest, reflection, and restoration. Unlike modern culture’s “New Year, New You” mindset, Winter was not about productivity—it was about understanding natures rhythm. Embracing the themes of hibernation and renewal, slowing down, and living in harmony with the season.
Here on the farm, we’re more than happy to embrace the themes of slow living. The dark evenings keep us indoors, never too far away from the warmth of the kitchen. But Winter can often be a difficult time for people too. Less daylight, cold and damp weather and the inevitable post-Christmas come down can all play a part in lowering our moods. That’s why it’s important to create rituals the help you navigate the few months before Spring arrives. These are a few of our favourites.
Candlelight Moments
Light natural candles to create a warm, calming atmosphere, offering up softer light in dark rooms. Scented candles can help soften the mood too. From bay and thyme capturing the essence of the outdoors, orange and cinnamon giving warm and cosy vibes or maybe rosemary and eucalyptus to cleanse the air through the colder months.
Comforting Food Rituals
Why not reframe cooking as a mindful act rather than a chore. Slow chopping, stirring, and tasting can become meditative! There is a beauty in Winter produce too, root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens lend themselves to comforting dishes whilst being healthy and nourishing too.
Create slow habits of not only cooking, but finding time to sit and enjoy the food you’ve created. It’s easy in our busy lives to not make time for ourselves, and nourishing our bodies with food is an important part of self-care.
Digital Detox, Rest and Restore
It’s so easy to spend the long evenings with tech in your hands. We’re certainly not adverse to a good box set or film, but we also like to take advantage of the time indoors and replace scrolling with calming rituals like devouring our favourite novel or diving into a recipe book for some kitchen inspiration. Teamed with a chunky blanket, some tasty snacks, and a warm drink (don’t forget to light that candle too) we think it ‘s the perfect way to spend that spare hour you might have.
Embrace Winter Gatherings
In the aftermath of Christmas festivities gatherings often take a slower, more informal and intimate affair. A few close friends, good conversation, and comforting food are the essence of slow living. Winter is a time we like to focus on warmth and hospitality rather than perfection. Rustic dishes, shared platters, and relaxed vibes make people feel at home.
Enjoy Creative Moments
Creativity means different things to different people. To some it’s knitting, painting, or crafting. To others it might be dreaming up a new recipe to try or planning what you’ll plant in the garden come Spring. Whatever your creative habit of choice, allow yourself time to indulge in a little me time.
Whichever rituals you decide to implement, we know that the key is slowing down, finding time for yourself and enjoy the simpler things life offers us.
