Mid Winter - The Great Exhalation
Outside sap in the trees still sits in retreat, deep in the roots, close to the heartwood - and so can you.
Enjoy these wise words from poet, Georgie Jones this New Year
Winter and the Water Element
“I could not bear the loneliness of being dry in a wet world. Here in the rainforest, I don’t want to be just a bystander to rain, passive and protected; I want to be part of the downpour, to be soaked, along with the dark humus that squishes underfoot. I wish that I could stand like the shaggy cedar with rain seeping into my bark, that water could dissolve the barrier between us. I want to feel what the cedars feel and know what they know.”
It’s the New Year, and I can hear whispers of new beginnings in the air. It feels both inviting and exhausting.
I found myself swept away in the momentum for a breath or two, but I’ve made it back to shore in time to remind myself, we’re still in midwinter.
Of the many books I’ve acquired this winter, yesterday, I spent time reading Jennifer Raye’s, A Seasonal Guide to Chinese Medicine and Yoga for Balance and Vitality which I’d bought to compliment my Yin yoga classes.
In the traditional Chinese five elements theory, Winter is represented by the Water element.
““Water represents our deepest reservoir of energy and greatest potential; its ‘life-giving supply is what sustains us. The water element in the body-mind is like an underground aquifer. It nourishes and supports you with fluids and the deepest most stabilising substances and structures, such as your bones and marrow. ”
Let’s giver ourselves all the time we need to rest and regenerate to the very marrow of our bones.
Outside, the sap in the trees still sits in retreat, deep in the roots, close to the heartwood, protected from frost.
The buds on friendly hazel trees that pepper our hedgerows are still tightly closed.
Many of our seeds, like one of my favourites echinacea, are still resting in a period of cold and dormancy before they’re ready to germinate.
Growth hasn’t stopped, its gone inward.
As I was reading more from Jennifer Raye’s book, it was wonderful to see her connect water and pilgrimage.
“Almost every culture on earth has recognised water as sacred. Pilgrims and spiritual seekers have travelled to wells, springs, rivers and lakes from the beginning of time for healing and insight. In Celtic traditions, springs and water wells were once seen as the entry points into the otherworld - thought to be somewhere one could access a kind of magic and intuitive knowledge.”
I celebrated the Winter Solstice on a walk with the British Pilgrimage Trust around Avebury and along our route, we visited the Swallowhead Springs and the source of the River Kennet.
If you’d like to winter and pilgrimage together, you may like to join me over three Sundays in January and February exploring the landscape around Wiltshire’s White Horses.
Wintering, Pilgrimage and Poetry - Spanning Three Sundays: January 25th and February 8th, 22nd across Wiltshire’s White Horses
An opportunity to reflect and traverse your inner world with attention and care, allowing the rhythm of walking and the medicine of poetry to steady and restore you. Explore the interplay of landscape, language, emotion, and meaning whilst walking with Wiltshire’s White Horses.
What’s Included:
Three guided winter walks across January and February
Poetry readings from writers who speak to nature, healing, and the inner journey
Invitations for reflection, intention-setting, and gentle personal inquiry
Unhurried, meaningful conversation and moments of shared stillness
Nature connection practices to deepen awareness of the landscape
Seasonal themes exploring pilgrimage, wellbeing, purpose, and emotional renewal
A supportive group space for connection, companionship, and shared experience
Time to slow down, breathe, and restore during the quiet winter months
Home baked treats to enjoy during one of our rest stops
Cat Cuddling Christmas by the Sea
I spent the festive period house sitting in St Agnes and caring for a my best feline friend, Onion.
Much to my delight, the sun came out every day and the weather was calm enough for the village to enjoy its traditional Christmas Day Swim (spot me circled in red).
I’m heading back to St Agnes in May to host a women’s seaside walking, swimming and nature connection retreat. It’s all about creating space for laughter, community, and a return to what truly matters - feeling light of heart.
Half the spaces are filled, but there’s still time to join us. We can offer a payment plan (so do feel free to reach out if you’d like one) as I know budgets can feel a little tight in January.
Yoga classes are back in full swing next week. Fantastically, our next Beginner’s Course is full! If you’d like to register your interest for the next one (date still to be decided) you can do so here.
Why Join a Yoga Class at The Barn?
Cosy home practice space at The Barn, Charlcutt, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9HH.
Small group classes (maximum 8 participants) so you can feel part of a supportive community
Mats and props provided - just bring yourself.
No mirrors, no pressure, just real people finding a bit of balance in the week.
Schedule:
Mondays: 6:15pm - 7:15pm & 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesdays: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Choose an option that suits you:
Pay As You Go - £11
6 Class Pass - £54 (£9 per class)
Book a PAYO class using the button below.
If you’d like to purchase a Six Class Pass please Get in touch .
