Embracing Winter

Many of us dread the dark and the cold, yet in some of the world’s longest winters live the happiest people—those who have learned to embrace the season rather than resist it. Drawing inspiration from Nordic traditions of Hygge, the art of building a cozy “nest” that nourishes body and spirit, and Friluftsliv, the practice of finding freedom and renewal in nature’s open air, this workshop invites participants to reimagine winter as a time of restoration and quiet joy. Guided by insights from Katherine May’s Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, we’ll reflect on the deeper wisdom of slowing down and tending to the inner landscape when life grows cold or uncertain. Taking cues from nature and our fellow mammals, we’ll explore how conserving energy, seeking light, and balancing warmth within with fresh air can foster emotional well-being. Through nature-based practices and science-backed strategies for countering Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), participants will learn to align with the natural rhythm of the season—transforming winter from something to endure into a sacred invitation to rest, reconnect, and restore.

Key Themes of the Workshop

• Seasonal Wellbeing: Aligning with nature’s rhythms for balance and resilience.

• Hygge & Friluftsliv: Finding comfort indoors and vitality outdoors.

• The Psychology of Rest: Honoring stillness and retreat as healing practices.

• Nature’s Cues: Learning renewal from the wisdom of winter and wildlife.

• Fire & Music: Awakening warmth, rhythm, and communal joy.

• Practical Wintering: Moving mindfully and staying comfortable in the cold.

• Hygge Nooks: Creating cozy spaces that invite rest and reflection.

Participants Will Learn To

• Identify psychological and physiological responses to seasonal change and apply evidence-based strategies to support mood regulation.

• Practice Hygge and Friluftsliv principles to enhance mental health and cultivate joy during colder, darker months.

• Develop personalized winter rituals that promote rest, connection, and resilience.

• Apply mindfulness and nature-based techniques to restore energy and emotional balance.

• Recognize the therapeutic potential of “wintering” as a metaphor for navigating life’s inevitable periods of rest and renewal.

Embracing Winter offers practical and soulful guidance for finding steadiness amid the dark. Participants will leave with renewed appreciation for winter’s quiet gifts—its invitation to slow down, restore balance, and find light within the season’s stillness.