The Quiet Season

Winter. A time for rest, inner reflection and preparation.

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all existing and new subscribers to The Art of Flow journal. I’m honored that you have chosen to join me on this journey. I’m committed to delivering inspiring poems, essays, insightful reflections, and practical wisdom to help you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, clarity, and purpose. Thank you! 🙏🏽

I look forward to exploring the depths of life’s flow together!

Photo by Stephen Ellis on Unsplash

Winter reminds me that silence is not emptiness, but fullness waiting to unfold.

Reflections #19

This season of stillness often leads me to profound thoughts about my own life. It is during the long, dark evenings that I find the space to prioritize rest and make new ideas to blossom, and to assess the paths I’ve chosen. In this time of quiet contemplation, it’s a chance to strip away the distractions and listen to the whispers of our hearts. The earth, too, has shed its outer layers, revealing the bare essentials – evidence of the beauty of simplicity and the power of letting go.

Reflecting on nature’s teachings, I’m drawn to the wisdom of the Tao. This ancient philosophy reminds me to step back, listen, and reconnect with my essence. Yet, in a world that often values productivity over rest, I know the tension between nature’s call to slow down and society’s push to keep moving. But what if we were to surrender to the stillness of winter rather than resisting it? What if we used this season to spark introspection, gently confronting the shadows we’ve long avoided and acknowledging the parts of ourselves that crave healing and attention? As we navigate this inner landscape, what if we also took the time to envision how we want to show up in the world when the seasons change? How do we want to think, feel, and interact with our surroundings? For me, surrendering to the stillness is a practice of letting go—not just of expectations but also of the noise that often fills my mind. In these quiet moments, I feel most connected to what I hold sacred: the beauty of nature, the warmth of human connection, and the still, small voice within that remind me of my worth. In these moments of presence I love the way sunlight filters through my living room window, the comforting rhythm of my breath, or the unspoken understanding shared in silence with a loved one. Winter, with all its stillness, teaches me to honor these sacred experiences and trust the wisdom of the present. By embracing the quiet darkness of winter, we can tap into the transformative power of self-reflection, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more authentic, ready to bloom into our fullest potential.

The world is rapidly changing, and winter’s stillness offers us a precious gift—the chance to cultivate the inner peace, wisdom, and resilience we need to respond to the uncertainties of our time. I’ve learned that preparing for the year ahead isn’t just about planning but cultivating a mindset of adaptability and trust. I use this time to reconnect with the eight core principles of ZENTAO, ask myself what I want to achieve, and prepare to embrace uncertainty. But most important, the release of the need to be attached to specific outcomes, trusting that what I want to create and how I wish to show up in the world are already in motion. I recognize that the seeds of my desires have been planted, and my role is not to force their growth but to nurture them with patience and faith. All I have to do is continue working from a place of being—honoring and embodying my most authentic self—trusting in the flow of wu wei, where effortless action arises naturally from alignment with the universe.

Winter reminds me that stillness isn’t stagnation—it’s the fertile ground from which growth begins. It’s a sacred pause, a space to gather strength for the inevitable challenges and triumphs of the coming year.

Let’s embrace the quiet of this season and allow its ancient wisdom to illuminate us. May we emerge from the darkness by becoming pillars of light radiating warmth, hope, and guidance to all we come in contact with.

Honor the cycles of life

Looking back on 2024, I’m reminded of the lessons, and the significance of water in my journey. I’ve been having dreams of waterfalls, a symbolic representation of the emotional release I’ve experienced, particularly with the passing of my mother in August. This year has been a transformative period of letting go of the old and embracing a fresh start, replenishing my mind and spirit with positive energy. In my sacred space, I’m honoring the flow of water, the dominant element of the winter season. The water element plays a crucial role in our emotional well-being, and when it’s in balance, we feel connected to our deepest essence and highest potential. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys and bladder govern the water element, influencing our emotional resilience, vitality, and longevity. Imbalances in these organs can manifest as lower back pain, reproductive issues, and even difficulties with hearing and self-soothing. Also, during this time, many suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a winter depression that sets in, mostly for women, as this dark season descends to show us what isn’t working in our lives.

I find solace in the wisdom of the Book of Changes (I Ching), which reminds me of the power of stillness. Hexagram 52 invites me to maintain inner peace among life’s turbulence, a noble achievement that promises peace and good fortune.

In this tranquil atmosphere, I find comfort in simple pleasures—a warm cup of miso soup, a symbol of the nourishment that awaits me in the stillness. Though I reside in Miami’s warmth, my heart is enveloped in winter’s serenity, inviting me to reflect, calm my mind, and deeply listen to the whispers of my soul.

Wishing you peace, calmness and brightness throughout this season.

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Listening to “Peace Be Still” as I write, letting the calming melodies soothe my mind and inspire my words.

Thank you. May the flow be with you now and always! 🙏🏽

With love,

Yoli

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