THE “RULES”
Welcome to the Winter Energy Experiment—where the only real rule is that there aren’t any rules. This is a space to explore, reflect, and play in a way that feels good to you.
The vibe:
Make it yours: Adapt, skip, or remix anything that’s offered. This is designed to be a jumping off point, not a strict plan.
Notice everything as information: Your reactions, your energy, your resistance, your joy—it’s all “results” of your experiment. Stay curious and record what comes up.
Follow what feels good: If a practice lights you up, linger with it. If it doesn’t, let it go without a single ounce of guilt.
Take what works, leave the rest: This is an experiment, not a mandate. I’m not the boss of you!
Maybe most importantly, build your self-trust muscle. You’re the scientist and the subject, lean into the chance to try something new and observe what happens. Let this be the start to a season of playful discovery, with none of the pressure and all of the possibility.
You can expect each part of the experiment to contain an affirmation, creative practices to try, and some form of inspiration. Each practice can be done in as little as five minutes or can expand to fill the container you give it. I encourage you to share what you’re noticing in the comments of these posts or by replying via email. With that, let’s begin.
A SIMPLE RITUAL
The winter solstice is the official start of the winter season in the northern hemisphere. Every culture marks this time differently. I encourage you to research the traditions from your culture. In Italian culture, the Festival of Santa Lucia is a winter solstice celebration that involves the eldest daughter serving hot drinks adorned in a crown of candles (okay, cute). Energetically, winter is a time of reflection and receptivity. A time to slow down and store up. A time to focus on our internal world. Noticing as an intentional act has transformed my own creative practice, and it is at the heart of this experiment.
I am devoted to the quiet magic of noticing.
Step 1. Light a candle, hold an object that feels grounding, or simply sit by a window.
Step 2. Set a timer for 5 minutes, or longer. Ask yourself: What am I devoted to? Write.
Bonus prompts:
What is one habit, pattern, relationship, or dynamic that you want to store up this season? What do you want more of?
What is your relationship to stillness? How does stillness feel in your body?
Since the winter solstice is a celebration of the return of the light, I’m sharing this passage that reminds me of my own.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
―Marianne Williamson
Sending you sunshine and warmth from Tucson.