Awaken Your Inner Light Through Devotion, Not Resolutions
By Lauren Howell, LAc
As the calendar turns, the cultural drumbeat of New Year’s resolutions grows loud: set goals, push harder, and strive for improvement. But what if this season isn’t about doing more? According to Chinese medicine, winter invites stillness, restoration, and inward reflection—a time to rest deeply and dream of the life we’ll cultivate come spring when the buds swell and the shoots push through the ground.
Discipline vs. Devotion.
Discipline often comes from an outside-in approach—a sense of obligation driven by self-judgment, societal expectations or shame. It can feel like forcing yourself into action, motivated by "shoulds" and external standards. Don't should on yourself. Devotion, however, is an inside-out experience. It arises from self-love and a deep commitment to what nourishes your heart and spirit. Devotion aligns you with what feels meaningful, making even the smallest acts of care sacred and intentional. Don't let religious trauma keep you from connecting to something sacred and worthy of devotion . . . which is you!
Winter’s Wisdom: Rest, Reflect, Restore
In Chinese medicine, Winter resonates with the Water element, symbolizing stillness, wisdom, power and potential. Just as seeds rest beneath the frozen earth, our inner selves crave rest and quiet to restore vitality and gather power. This is the season to nurture your essence, listen inward, and honor the vast snowy peaceful landscapes with awe. It's really only our capitalistic culture that suggests you ought to keep on pumping out production and consumption. Delete the Amazon app, take a social media break, read a book for pleasure. Gather clear mountain breaths, cozy cuddles, and warm tea like your life depends on it, because your nervous system really does. Take time to just be. Maybe this means watching your brain spin, while holding it gently with compassion, maybe this means listening to your body's sensations, your heart's emotions, or the sound of your breath.
Practices of Devotion
Rather than setting rigid resolutions, consider these gentle acts of devotion this winter:
Light a candle and create space for reflective journaling, meditation or just allow yourself to be mesmerized by the dance of light.
Prioritize rest and nourishing meals that warm your body, bones and soul.
Dream into the future with curiosity, not pressure.
Tend to Your Inner & Outer Radiance
If your devotion includes enhancing your natural radiance, my offerings of microneedling and cosmetic acupuncture can support you in feeling luminous from the inside out. Or, if you’re craving deeper guidance for personal growth, consider an astrological reading or transformational journey session, but know that the light and wisdom gleaned during these sessions comes from you; I just hold up a mirror in the form of questions and acu pins. May you let devotion guide you this Winter—not as a taskmaster, but as a loving companion reminding you of what truly matters. May your inner light shine brightly in this season of stillness and possibility.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s explore how devotion can transform your journey. Click below to learn more or schedule a personalized session.
With warmth and devotion,
Lola Howell LAc
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