Episode Details

As the winter solstice–or the longest night of the year–approaches, how does it reflect and represent you? This is the season of dormancy, a time when plants, the earth, and even we are drawn to rest, recharge, and prepare for growth. In this final installment of our 2024 seasonal sessions, on the pod once again is my dear friend and our resident green witch, Rachael of Our Infinite Nature. She shared with me how the winter solstice can help us honor cycles of rest and renewal. It was a lovely way to end a year of seasonal explorations, covering everything from the practical ways we can live in harmony with the season to what the quiet time of winter can teach us.

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:55] What is the cyclical nature of life?
• [05:38] How to rebrand winter inside ourselves
• [10:38] How does the earth respond to winter?
• [13:48] How to prepare your winter garden
• [15:25] Give your plants the sunlight, even on the coldest days, with Soltech Grow Lights!
• [16:47] Find peace in the chaos with personalized Wind River Chimes!
• [19:26] Why focus on your inner growth
• [23:06] Astrological guide to winter solstice (Capricorn season)
• [29:39] Shop exclusive garden gifts and essentials at Gardener's Supply Company!
• [30:45] How to honor the winter solstice
• [37:08] What is the role of our nervous system?
• [39:19] Rest and digest
• [42:02] Winter solstice visualization/meditation
• [55:53] Where can you follow Rachael?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox
• Growing Joy Episode 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice
• Growing Joy Episode 256: What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox
• Get Rachael’s book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety
• Join the 2025 Intuitive Magic Group Coaching

For Rachael's insightful recommendations on navigating the new season,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Rachael:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden