First Simplicity Living Circle of 2025

Simplicity Living
Written By Dani Keating

Simplicity Living Coach Dani Keating shares winter wellness practice to combat the winter blues during the first Simplicity Living Circle of 2025!

The Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia started the new year with an inspiring and invigorating gathering on Saturday, January 4th. With a record turnout of 15 people braving the brisk 30-degree temperatures at Lacey Woods Park, this meeting set the tone for a year focused on connection, simplicity, and rewilding.

Embracing Nature in an Urban Oasis

Our circle thrives on the unique opportunity to meet outdoors, surrounded by nature, even in the heart of an urban environment. Research shows that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, but time spent outside improves mental health, boosts productivity, and enhances children’s performance in school. As part of our simplicity journey, we are embracing rewilding—the reconnection between humans and nature. This reconnection fosters simplicity by encouraging us to live in harmony with natural rhythms.

Rewilding: A Human Connection

While rewilding often refers to restoring wildlife and land—such as reintegrating wolves into Yellowstone—our focus is on rewilding humans. By deepening our relationship with nature, we simplify our lives and align with a more intentional way of living. My personal commitment to this concept began years ago and was recently rekindled at the Rewilding Summit at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where I learned survival skills such as starting a fire with flint and steel. These skills echo lessons I first encountered at Cool School in Antarctica over two decades ago.

Mindfulness and Teamwork

Everyone working together to get the fire started on a cold, blustery day.

We began the session with a 15-minute mindfulness walk. Participants tuned into nature through guided practices, foraged for firewood, and optionally picked up trash as an act of stewardship. Returning to the fire pit, we collaborated to build a fire. Despite challenges with wet wood and strong winds, teamwork and creativity—including rosemary and dry bark—helped us succeed.

Winter Wellness Discussion

Introductions around the fire allowed us to welcome new members before diving into a discussion on winter wellness and simplicity. This dialogue was informed by two insightful blogs: Combatting the Winter Blues, Naturally, written by myself, and the other, Hypnosis, Your Winter Wellness Secret, by Nikki Zalesak. We explored ways to embrace the “yin” energy of winter—a season of rest, reflection, and renewal—through seasonal rituals like warming foods, candlelight, and sleep-enhancing practices.

Spices like cinnamon, clove, ginger, and cardamom not only warm the body but also carry calming effects that encourage relaxation. Choose teas that incorporate these ingredients can nourish and ground you.

Key takeaways included:

  • Drinking herbal teas with spices like cinnamon and ginger.

  • Incorporating root vegetables and broths into meals.

  • Using gentle lighting and candles to create calming evening environments.

  • Starting mornings with hydration and being mindful of caffeine consumption.

  • Shifting activities to daylight hours and experimenting with SAD light therapy.

Winter invites us to slow down, rest, and set the stage for spring’s energy. This reframing can help combat winter blues and nurture balance.

Setting Intentions for 2025

As night fell, we closed with a powerful intention ritual. Each participant wrote down what they wanted to surrender and what they wished to welcome in during the next month or in 2025. These intentions were shared and then offered to the fire, symbolizing release and renewal.

Looking Ahead

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and embraced the cold to connect with nature and simplicity. Your presence and participation made this gathering truly special.

Upcoming Events Led by Dani and/or Nikki

We look forward to seeing you at our next events as we continue to explore simplicity and intentional living together. Until then, stay warm, stay connected, and stay inspired!


Your Co-hosts

Dani Keating, Simplicity Living Health & Life Coach
Coaching with Dani

Nikki Zalesak, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, and Medical Massage Practitioner
Rainwalker Healing

Dani Keating
Previous

Embracing the First Full Moon of the New Year
Next

Reflections on 2024: A Journey of Transformation