At State of Liberty, we’re looking forward and preparing for spring, the season of planning. In order to plan effectively for the year ahead, it’s a good idea to clarify what’s important to you, and a good place to start is by exploring and connecting with your core values.

In Chinese Five Element Theory, winter describes a time of hibernation. It’s a period of stillness, introspection, and deep restoration. As the season is governed by the element water, the bodily systems of the kidneys and bladder need to be considered at this time of year. Together with the reproductive organs, these are considered to house what’s referred to as ‘Vital Essence’, or what you could call our ‘mojo’!

Mojo requires a balance of activity and rest. Imagine a brisk walk in the woods before coming home to a bowl of steaming broth, morning yoga before enjoying a slow breakfast, or chopping logs before curling up in front of the fire.

Last year, Gemma wrote a beautiful piece on winter living. Today, I’d like to build on this and focus on three important areas to help you enjoy your most restorative winter yet!

The Nature of Rest

In Chinese Five Element Theory, winter describes a period of hibernation, introspection, and deep restoration. Nature reminds us that we require deep nourishment at this time of year. We can all benefit from taking time out to rest and refocus, and the winter season naturally supports this important process.

Winter is a time to dream and connect with what’s important to you. From a place of rest, you can align yourself with your goals and plans in preparation for spring, when the energy is there to bring them to fruition.

Living in a fast-paced world, isolated from nature, it’s easy to miss these natural influences. Once upon a time, nature was home. Our lives were inseparable from it, and it profoundly shaped our existence, providing everything that sustained us. But not anymore.

At State of Liberty, we believe eating should be joyful and celebratory. Nutrition, health and wellbeing are intrinsically linked. When we’re conscious of our food choices and aware of our personal needs, natural rhythms, cycles and habits, we are choosing the most responsible and liberating way of eating and living.

What to Eat In Winter

In Chinese Five Element Theory, the season of winter is governed by the water element. The organs relating to water are the kidneys and bladder, so in this post we’ll be referring to kidney energy, that which supports our vital energies or ‘mojo’. You can read more about this in our introduction to the season.

Winter, with its long nights, reduced temperatures and lower light levels, is when we want to be hibernating. We’re drawn to conserving energy, appreciating the peaceful nature of cold, wintry days, and enjoying deep, restorative sleep. So why do so many people struggle to get to sleep or to stay asleep during winter?

Today, SOL expert Florence Neville tells us how to sleep well in winter and shares some simple techniques that can make a big difference at this time of year.

Here at State of Liberty, our Home Retreats and wellbeing products are all aligned with the seasons. Bringing nature into your home is an effective way to help you feel connected to each new phase of the year and the natural rhythms of your day. Its presence encourages your body to adjust to the ever-changing outside world.

Clearing and letting go of unwanted and unused belongings, or cleaning and adding fresh flowers, can transform the atmosphere, helping us move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to feeling light and inspired.

In short, creating a safe, supportive and inspiring space in your home is a key part of establishing a regular wellbeing routine.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ was originally coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a popular London boutique during the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of essential items of clothing that never go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can be paired with trend-led, seasonal pieces.