I was so looking forward to winter... but where did it go?

This year, winter in Texas arrived quickly, almost shyly. A few days of iced rain, freezing temperatures laying a thick sheath of ice over the land, anchoring us at home for a week. Then came the swing, warm days and cool nights, and now it feels as though winter barely passed through at all.

Temperatures are rising. Trees and flowers seem confused. And honestly, so am I.

Is winter gone?

No... it's still here - just different, whispers my inner-voice.

I pause, I soften. I tune inward and allow my own inner rhythms to meet the rhythms of nature.

Yes, it's still winter.

My body knows it.

It asks for rest.

For slowing down.

For time to repair, to regenerate, to turn inward.

In seasonal yoga, winter is not defined by snow or cold. It is defined by energy. It is the season of conservation, of deep listening, of restoring what has been depleted. Even when the sun feels warm on my skin, my nervous system remembers: this is a time for stillness.

Yes, my inner voice affirms.

This winter is teaching me that outer appearances can be misleading. Nature does not make mistakes.

Winter is the threshold where transformation quietly begins.

Don't interrupt it, the voice gently cautions.

So, I listen.

I feel the pull to retreat, to be nourished by darkness and silence.

Beneath the surface, seeds of intentions lie dormant - resting, gathering strength, waiting the precise moment to emerge.

Nothing is rushed. Northing is forced.

This is winter yoga:

Longer exhales.

Grounded postures.

Warm nourishment.

And compassion for the need to do less.

So, Winter is still here... offering precious time to tend for the body, the heart, the soul.

All we need to do is listen.

Find our rhythm.

Engage gently.

Respond with care and love.

Be present.