Dear Reader,

In the Solar Term calendar, used by many wisdom traditions, the seasons are broken down into micro seasons to support everything cyclically from eating what is in season to the timings of cultural gatherings and rituals to ideal bed times to activity levels.
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I was first introduced to this way of living in Japan when I lived intergenerationally with my in-laws when our daughter was an infant. Each of the 4 seasons is broken into 24 micro-segments. While the specifics weren't shared with me, I felt the nuance of the flow, as well as the gifts of each pivot within the home and around me as people tended to their homes, in the fields, markets, and even in Osaka, the biggest city, a 45 minute train ride away.
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Many beautiful and complex layers unfolded during our 22 week stay there. I will be forever grateful for intentionally giving our daughter so many foundational experiences with her living and deceased ancestors, as well as her 5 senses that I could never give her as a gaijin mama.
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The compounding effects of this stay began to hit me like the dead of winter 8 weeks into our stay. Thirty-three year old Amy was blindsided by depression that she thought she'd fully resolved years before that.
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Although most of the readers here are based in the Northern Hemisphere, a wonderful group is also in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Yes, Seasonal Affective Disorder is real and linked to winter and light.
And a season of winter can find us no matter what season it is outside of our window.
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There are many gifts of winter, including how to navigate it, which have been lost by many western cultures and empire and colonial based frameworks.

Exploring a Year-Long Winter : Dimitra Gold's Episode​
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Have you ever felt like the life you’re living doesn’t fully align with the person you’re becoming? In my latest Soulful Visionary podcast episode with Dimitra Gold, we explore her process post her remote Taoist Stone Medicine Ritual and the year-long winter that she has been in.
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Dimitra shares her powerful story of navigating a year of profound change, including depression, courageously embracing her true self, and balancing the demands of life with the call of her soul. Together, we explore the messy, beautiful, and deeply spiritual work of becoming who you’re meant to be.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Dimitra's process after receiving a remote Taoist Stone Medicine Ritual with me a few weeks prior to recording
• How depression and dysthymia can act as unexpected tools for self-discovery
• The courage it takes to remove the “masks” we wear and step into authenticity
• Practical rituals and tools to stay grounded during life’s biggest transitions
• Why ancestral healing plays a pivotal role in shaping your future path
• Ways to align your work and life with your soul’s true calling

This conversation is one of the most heartfelt and inspiring episodes yet, and I know you’ll walk away with insights and tools to help you on your journey.

🎧 Listen Here ​

After you listen, I'd love to hear what resonated most with you. Simply hit reply to this email or DM me on Instagram @amy.babish to share your most meaningful takeaway.

BONUS: Sacred PRACTICE: 12 Omen or Holy Days​
We're in the midst of the most yin (deeply connected to Mother earth/heart of the world) portal of the year. I offer this bonus practice for you to explore and enjoy during the darkest time of year.
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When we're in this portal, we're most connected to the mystery and navigating the fertile unknown.
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It may not feel like it to your ego or brain, and the gentleness of this practice may help you to return to a deeper connection to something that you've been longing for.
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Some start this practice on December 21.
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I typically start on December 26, which marks the beginning in many wisdom traditions, as the 12 holy days or 12 omen days.
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My apologies for sending this on December 27, and the gentleness of winter gives so much grace. The virtue of winter in Taoism is FAITH.
I have deep faith that whenever you begin this practice will be the most divine timing for you.
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In this tradition, each day corresponds to the calendar month.
Dec 26: Day 1 = the month January through January 6 = Day 12 = the month of December.
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This is the time to welcome the muse and plant seeds, notice your dreams, and welcome signs.
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An intentional walk in nature where you hold the intention of what would spirit, the mystery, guides, angels, and my ancestors have me notice for the corresponding month. You can also pull a card and/or ask for an oracle song.
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If you find this practice to be meaningful please hit reply to this email and let me know or tag me in instagram @amy.babish.

This time of year can be such a potent and sacred time for personal work.
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I have openings my calendar for one-time 90 minute sessions with virtual and in-person work. Similar to what you're hearing on my podcast episodes, these 90 minute sessions will be curated to your intention(s). They come with one week of email support following the session. You can book in a pre-session complimentary 20 minute call here. If you'd like to gift this to someone (with their consent), email me.

May the seeds you plant be nourished by the great Mystery, your ancestors, angels, guides, and the land that holds you.
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May gifts of the holy days and omens offer ease and grace to the sacred journey that is your life, aliveness, and ripple effect.
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May your dream tenders of the sleeping and waking life help you to remember who you are in this life you came to live.
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May it be so.
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Sending the gentle reconnecting to FAITH that you do know how to navigate the unknown and the mystery,

Amy
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✨ There are 2 remaining spots in The Soulful Visionary Collective my 12 woman intimate group coaching process yours? In this 12 month process, this group is having a reunion. They've journeyed together for lifetimes. We're coming together again to remember how to belong in Love, Leadership, and Legacy.
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My sense is the final two spots are for women in their 50s, 60s, or 70s who've evolved powerfully many times over. They invite transformation for the sheer pleasure of it. They'll be joining two to other crones in the group, who said YES with similar intentions..."I want to see how good it can get (before I retire)!"
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We also have a bonus group on Monday, December 30th from 3-5pm EST where I'll be sharing some of my potent practices for intention setting.
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P.S. Share this email with anyone who would like gentle support navigating the darkest most earth bound time of the year.
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Resources and Where We Can Connect:

• Save the Date FREE House Therapy - Feng Shui Virtual Conversation -rescheduled TBA
• ​Somatic Solidarity Class: Resources for Engaging in a time of Uncertainty​ co-facilitated with ​Micky ScotBey Jones​. Join us in the recording with lifetime access.
• Explore How We Can Work Together: https://www.amybabish.com/work-with-me
• Learn More About House Therapy & Feng Shui Coaching: https://www.amybabish.com/house-therapy-feng-shui-coaching
• If you’re enjoying the Soulful Visionary Podcast, I would love to encourage you to please leave a review, share an episode with someone who needs to hear it and hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out on any future episodes! Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Connect on Instagram​
• I've been featured on a few podcasts recently as a guest! I always share generous resources when I'm a guest.
  *On the Mindful Drinking Movement :Part 1 and Part 2.
  *On Pleasure & Profits here.
• Connect on LinkedIn

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