Winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is the shortest and darkest day of the year. Naturally, it is a time of celebration, rest, reflection, and nourishment. Naturally the winter solstice represents a return to the light from the darkness we experience.In contrast, think of its polar opposite, the summer solstice where the days are longer and there’s a higher energy that you can feel in the air. Each of the seasons can be embraced with rituals or practices to help amplify your own vibration and sync your energy with nature.

That said, the winter solstice marks a time to slow down, reflect and honor both the light and dark aspects within yourself, for it is both parts that make you whole. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the sun and the moon, yin and yang: different yet essential components to the whole. Below are three simple ways to honor and celebrate the winter solstice and season.

Winter might not be your absolute favorite season (or perhaps it is), and if that is the case know that the winter months won’t last forever and soon enough the days will get warmer and brighter. Plus the colder season creates a greater appreciation for those brighter days ahead.

Here are three simple ways to honor and embrace the winter solstice:

1. Reflect. Ask yourself, what’s one radiant quality you possess? Wrap that quality with gratitude and feel the love for this wonderful aspect of yourself. What’s a part of you you’ve judged in your past? Breathe love and appreciation into this quality. Embrace this piece of the puzzle of what make you uniquely YOU.

2. Slow Down. Oftentimes we don’t slow down until we are forced to do so and our body finally tells us we need rest. There’s a reason why we feel the urge to want to bundle up and hibernate during the colder and darker months. Nows a great time to watch movies or series on Netflix, build a fire, draw a tub, read a book, do a puzzle, host a game night, or bundle up for a mindful nature walk.

3. Nourish Your Body With Warm Foods. Take advantage of local and seasonal eats like root vegetables which are fresh and loaded with nutrients this time of year. Think stews, soups, chili’s, and spices like turmeric to help keep you warm and boost your immunity.

And as Yogi Bajan says, travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.