Welcoming the Light: Caring for Ourselves this Winter
The holiday season can bring up a mix of emotions, joy, reflection, grief, and everything in between.
This time of year looks different for everyone. It’s okay to feel what comes ups. At the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS), our RHSW staff understand how complex this season can be, especially for those carrying stories of loss, healing, and resilience. To support you in caring for your mind, body, and spirit, a few have shared some self-care tips and practices to help you move through this season with gentleness and grounding.
Our Healing Journeys - Mother Earth is Medicine.
“Mother Earth connects us to our ancestors, so it is important to get out in the land. Feel the fresh air and spend time away from the Internet and social media. Listen to the birds and animals. Enjoy the quiet.
Feel your body move in physical activity connecting to the land. It can be hunting, fishing or harvesting. It can be feeling the soothing comfort from putting your arms around a tree. You can feel that the tree is a living being when you embrace a tree.
Spirit baths, or immersing yourself in cold water, can be a daily practice. Over time, your body will adjust.”
- Grant Alphonse, Tsilhqot'in | Resolution Health Support Worker
Our Healing Journeys - Carrying Our Strength through the Holidays.
“The holidays can stir up many emotions including grief, loneliness, or painful memories. We also carry the strength of our ancestors, our communities, and the love that surrounds us. This season, remember:
You are not alone. Your loved ones walk beside you in spirit and in community.
You carry medicine. Your breath, and your story are sacred.
You are strong. Every step you take is an act of survival and resistance.
You are loved. No matter where you are on your healing journey, you are worthy of care, rest and gentleness.
Taking care of yourself is an act of love for you, your family, and for those we honour who are no longer with us. Light a candle, smudge, go spend time down by the water, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, sing a song, or simply breathe deeply. These small acts are powerful.
May we walk into the season with courage, compassion, and connection. You are medicine.”
- Chas Coutlee, Nlaka’pamux/Lower Nicola | Wellness Worker, Resolution Health Support Worker, Counsellor
The Balance Wheel - Create Your Self-care Bundle.
“The Balance Wheel (or Sacred Hoop) is how you create your own self-care bundle to comfort yourself through the high stress time of the holidays. The balance wheel is made of four parts:
Physical Self: How you eat, hydrate, sleep and reconnect to Mother Earth.
Mental Self: How you engage your mind through reading, colouring and talking with someone you trust in a safe space.
Emotional Self: How you breathe, ground yourself or have quiet time for the emotions that you hold in your heart and body.
Spiritual Self: How you take care of your spirit in ways that work for you through meditation and ceremony.
The holidays are anniversary dates; it’s a good practice to be proactive - know your triggers and expect your reaction - be it grief or loss. Create your own self-care bundle, be body aware, and to slow down without fighting the feelings that may come up for you.
Using both western and/or traditional medicine is ok if that works for you. Check-in with your support circle and create ways to comfort yourself through the Balance Wheel.”
- Shirley David, Gitxsan/Witset First Nation | Resolution Health Support Worker
Every action counts. Every gift moves us forward.
Together, we can continue creating spaces for healing, hope, and connection. From all of us at IRSSS, thank you for your care, compassion, and support. We wish you moments of rest, connection, and warmth today and always.