Her work as a Somatic Coach and Resiliency Expert draws on 30 years of Eastern and western traditions. Jennifer’s post-traumatic growth from having brain surgery was a catapulting force that led her to shape sustainable wellness solutions.
As the days turn darker and colder, the shift from sunny, long-light summer days to the cozy embrace of autumn and winter can feel unsettling. You might find yourself teetering between turning the heat on or celebrating a rare sunny day with childlike joy. Yet, deep down, a dimmer light flickers within—knowing the daylight is fading, the nights are growing longer, and a certain heaviness begins to settle in.
Recently, I had a discussion with a friend who shared this sentiment: “I want to feel differently about winter. I prefer the sunshine and endless daylight, but what if I could change my mindset to embrace the cold and darkness?” This sparked an idea. What if, instead of dreading the season of slowing down, I chose to see the beauty in it?
As we move through the colder months, could I find joy in candlelight flickering in the corners of a room, the warmth of a fire, and the bliss of cocooning under a blanket with a good book?
Could the slower pace be a gift, an invitation to rest, rather than something to resist?
Finding beauty in the darker days
Fall and winter come with their own gifts: the brilliant hues of autumn leaves, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, the abundance of seasonal foods like roasted squash, spiced apples, and hearty stews that warm from the inside out. These seasons are rich in sensory pleasures—steaming mugs of tea, the sound of rain tapping against the window, the feel of soft wool against your skin.
In many ways, the colder months are an opportunity for nourishment. Not only physical, but mental and emotional. Could there be beauty in slowing down, in lighting candles as the sun sets earlier, in nurturing ourselves with self-care rituals that give us permission to rest?
The power of changing your mindset
For those who, like me, are drawn to the light and warmth of summer, the idea of slowing down can feel intimidating. There’s a subtle fear beneath it: What happens if I stop? Will I lose momentum? Will I fall behind?
This is where the blending of practices like Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), somatics, and yoga comes in. These tools help us reshape our relationship with stress, guiding us to understand what’s underneath our resistance to slowing down. RTT, in particular, can help reprogram deeply rooted beliefs and transform our mindset about the seasonal shift.
By embracing the darkness rather than resisting it, we reduce the stress of fighting against the natural flow of the seasons. Somatic practices—focusing on how the body holds onto stress—can help release tension, while yoga invites us to connect mind, body, and breath in a way that fosters peace. Together, these practices can create a holistic approach to stress reduction, especially during the colder months.
The benefits for your health
When you stop resisting the natural rhythms of the seasons and choose to lean into them, the benefits are immense. By accepting the slower pace, you allow your body and mind the rest they crave. You lower your cortisol levels, improve your immune response, and tap into a sense of inner calm. Your heart rate slows, your sleep deepens, and your mind feels clearer.
Choosing to embrace the slower, darker days becomes an act of self-love. Instead of seeing the darkness as a loss, it becomes an opportunity for renewal—a time to reset, restore, and nourish yourself on every level.
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Jennifer Degen, Somatic Coach and Resiliency Expert
Her work with health professionals, caretakers and leaders focus’ on Expanding connection, Opening to creativity, Life work balance, Embodied mindfulness, Self-leadership, Insight and Sustainable change. Mind Body Awareness is the intersection of somatic psychology, neuroscience, mindfulness and personal growth.
