November, November, the month of so many things we can think about, act and do!

At this time of the year, when days continue along their path, relentlessly, becoming shorter, a lot of us feel more morose, homey, less active. Others, the anonymous blessed, feel more exuberant, energetic and enthusiastic.

November is marked by the end of the Metal energy, in transition with Earth and the start of Water, i.e. Winter. The oriental people have a different way of approaching the laws of nature as they consider a cycle of transformations, that varies over time. Everything has a cycle: first there’s birth, then the prime and then there’s decline and lastly, death. Next comes birth again and it starts over. This cycle can be applied to human beings, animals, plant life and energy.

When we are still in the western Autumn, at the start of November, the days grow colder and the nights are longer. For the oriental people, this is where the birth of Winter takes place.

On December 23, Winter is at its prime, which is when we say in the west that Winter is starting. For us, westerners, Summer starts on 21 June and have you noticed that once Summer starts, the days start getting shorter? Well, supposedly, once Summer starts, the days should be getting longer rather than shorter! That is the oriental thought process.

People can feel so different at this time of the year because three types of energy are present – it’s why some feel more withdrawn and others more vibrant.

Yet regardless of the mood, use this time of year to be in synch with the season. You can do this in three simple steps:

1. Use this time of the year, which is inviting us, to take stock of your emotions and clear up what needs to be cleared up and end cycles that need to be ended, while starting others that need to be started. Thanksgiving calls for this, a flashback. Look at your life and figure out if you’re following the path you want to follow. Feel grateful for all the good things you have (material or otherwise) and focus on the glass half full. Rid your heart of what no longer fits you and isn’t good for you or those around you. Sew the best in you because what we sew today we will reap tomorrow. Invest in yourself and your personal development. The energy of the moment will help you in this process, so make the most of this opportunity and nudge.
2. Even if this is a time that calls for spending time at home, don’t cut your lifeline with the outside and nature. To maintain your body and mind’s balance, keep connecting with nature and keep your YOU energy flowing. Stagnant energy, whether in your body or homes, is generally one of the main causes for blockages, problems and diseases. Get out, take care of yourself, make yourself beautiful – do this for you and not for others – and make the most of life. Even on smaller and colder days, spend time with your family and friends. Sometimes outside, and other times indoors. Remember that people going into and out of your house, the joyful times, the sound of laughter activate your home’s energy and will get it flowing in a harmonious and melodic manner. This same energy will interact with your body and take it to a higher, more available and optimistic plane.
3. Lastly, a few more weeks, and it’s Christmas. For some it’s a time of true euphoria, for others it’s stressful and leads to arguments and sadness. Picking up on the most intimate concept of Christmas, which is about family reunion, whether our blood family or not, as friends are the family we choose, spend this time with yours. Focus on the pleasure rather than the work that it causes or the endless queues you’re up against. In fact, to avoid queues and stress, why not start planning ahead, calmly? You don’t need to make any major decisions now, but the simple fact you can go outside and think “that box is so Maria” is already in itself a way of experiencing pleasant expectations and, above all, the pleasure of sharing them. Buy things slowly. You don’t need to buy rare or super expensive gifts, if you can’t afford them, they can be simple, creative and filled with intent. Invest in the magic the season brings and feel like the magician in your life, transforming it into what you desire!