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Writer's pictureCiara Covey

Befriending the Darkness: Embracing Seasonal Change

As the seasons shift and the days get shorter, it’s natural to feel the weight of more darkness around us. Fall and winter’s longer nights offer us an invitation to slow down, turn inward, and sometimes face emotions we’ve been dodging or putting on the back burner. It’s like the season is giving us permission to pause and reflect.



For many of us, though, this transition can feel unsettling. The earlier sunsets and colder air might bring on feelings of loneliness, sadness, or anxiety. It’s as if the darker days call out the darker thoughts.


But here’s the thing: if we can learn to befriend the darkness, it can actually bring us wisdom, peace, and restoration. Just as the world around us shifts from light to dark, warm to cold, we too have our inner cycles. There’s comfort in accepting these changes rather than resisting them. Let’s explore how to move with the season instead of fighting against it.


How to Navigate This Season:

  1. Acknowledge the Darkness as Natural In our culture, we’re often told to fear or fix the darkness, whether it’s literal or metaphorical. But darkness is just as natural as light—it’s a normal, healthy part of life and the changing seasons. Rather than dreading it, try shifting your mindset. When you talk about the seasonal changes, do so with neutrality or even gratitude. Notice how the balance of light and dark is part of the world’s beauty.

  2. Greet the Light With our busy schedules, we often miss out on the little moments like watching the sun rise or set. Make it a point to greet the sunrise each morning, if you can. There’s something magical about watching the sky transition from night to day. It’s a perfect time to express gratitude for the light and set a positive intention for the day ahead. And when evening comes, thank the sun for its light before it dips below the horizon. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest days, there’s always a return to light.

  3. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment The shorter days can sometimes leave us feeling lost or anxious. Instead of letting your mind drift to sadness or loneliness, try staying rooted in the present. Grounding exercises can help. Simply plant your feet on the floor, take slow, deep breaths, and focus on the sensations around you. Feel the earth beneath you. Notice its texture, its coolness, its firmness. Repeat the mantra: “I welcome the season as it is, and I find peace in the darkness.”

  4. Connect with Your Senses The colder months naturally invite us to slow down and savor the little things. Use this time to fully engage your senses with what the season has to offer. Smell the crisp air or the scent of pine. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and feel its warmth. Savor the taste of your favorite hot drink, and let yourself get lost in watching the stars or twinkling lights in the evening sky. There’s magic in this season if we allow ourselves to soak it in.

  5. Reflect on the Past Season The inward pull of fall and winter makes it a perfect time for reflection. Consider journaling about the past season—what you learned, how you’ve grown, what you want to carry forward. Then take some time to think about your intentions for the months ahead. What do you want to nurture during this slower, quieter time?

  6. Stay Physically Well It’s easy to fall into a cozy slump when it’s cold and dark, but maintaining your physical health is essential for your mood and energy levels. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t make it to your usual workout. Maybe it’s time to swap that outdoor run for an at-home yoga session or a quick stretch. And a simple tip? Lay out your workout clothes the night before or have your gym bag packed and ready. The less friction, the easier it’ll be to stick to it.And let’s not forget about food! Cold weather tends to make us crave comfort foods, and that’s totally okay. Just remember to balance those treats with nourishing meals that keep you feeling good and grounded.


By embracing the darkness, we open ourselves to the wisdom and stillness it offers. This season is a time to nourish our souls, listen to what we need, and prepare ourselves for the eventual renewal that spring brings.


“Fear not the dark, for we bloom in the womb before greeting our light.” —Angie Weiland Crosby


If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to Rust Wellness Group for compassionate and informed support. Our team is here to help you navigate your journey toward mental and emotional well-being.

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