If you read my Teachings Tuesday before Christmas, you’ll know that December was a little gritty for me. Between my clinical practice and my responsibilities at CC, I was completely exhausted, and doing everything I could to uphold the teachings that have been shared with me so that I could truly unplug and REST over the holidays.
I’m happy to report that allllll of those Post-Its were accomplished, and unplug, I did! For two whole weeks, I was fully present with my family and loved ones. I enjoyed a getaway in Tofino, hosted friends and family on Christmas Eve, got out into the trees, watched Netflix (I never watch TV), and—perhaps most importantly—I slept. Oh, did I sleep. Most days, I didn’t wake up until at least 10 a.m. That is unheard of for me, but I listened to my body and leaned into the rest.
As much as I embraced the rest, I also wrestled with moments of anxiety. I’ve worked hard for a long time…nonstop for four years, really. Putting my work down—even for just a short time—brought its own kind of stress. Was I falling behind? Would everything be waiting for me when I returned? Would my absence let others down?
I also struggled with being socially unplugged. I care so deeply about the people in my life who regularly reach out with kind words, well wishes, and thoughtful messages. And yet, I chose to remain present with the people I was physically with, even though part of me felt bad about not reaching out to everyone.
When I sat down with the January Mentor Team last Thursday night, our conversation turned to the intention of Solstice and its cultural significance. I shared my feelings of guilt—that I might be letting my CC family down, that I wasn’t being the friend or colleague I should be, that I wasn’t sending out holiday wishes or letting people know I was thinking of them.
On that call was our newest Mentor, Candice George of Stz’uminus First Nation, and her words have stayed with me since she spoke them. She shared:
“Kim, Solstice is about rest. It’s about healing. It is the time we work on ourselves. We participate in ceremony, we have our baths, and we observe and reflect. Our people live in rhythm with nature, and soon spring will come. Paddles will come out, and the work will begin again. Now is the time to rest. Now is the time to take care of yourself. Heal yourself. Nobody else can do this work for you—you have to do it for yourself.”
Candice's words were a balm for my restless heart. I felt reassurance and gratitude—not just for the wisdom she shared but for the permission to honor this time of rest without guilt.
Rest is part of the rhythm. Rest is the foundation that allows us to paddle forward when the time comes.
As we step into this new year, I’m carrying Candice’s words with me, and I want to share them with you:
🌿 Take time to rest. It is not a luxury; it is a necessity.🌿 Heal yourself. No one else can do that work for you.🌿 Live in rhythm with the seasons. Honor the stillness of winter, knowing that spring will call you to action soon enough.
I hope this season has been one of healing, reflection, and quiet growth for you. And when spring comes, may you be ready—refreshed, renewed, and whole.
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