Shadow: Fallow Times

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Shadow: Fallow Times

As I write this, it is a week away from the Winter Solstice, the darkest night in December, 2020. We certainly have had opportunities to understand about darkness, going within, and personal introspection this year. These qualities are now amplified through the movements of our planets and the sun. We are dependent on the natural rhythms and elements of the Earth. Our western, imperialistic, colonizing, white supremacy culture, has emphasized removing ourselves from the natural elements, organic rhythms, Indigenous cultures, and almost everything in the natural world. These natural rhythms and elements are essential not only for our well being, but for our very survival.

These shadow months are a reminder of the relationship to our inner darkness. Our culture emphasizes the racist notion that “white/light is good and black/darkness are bad.” There is something in the winter that is primal, mysterious, and utterly irreplaceable. We need the darkness as much as we need the light and heat of summer. These days remind us that there is a light and life at the center of darkness. It is our essential nature. The inner darkness brings us to unconscious realms where healing and new life begin. We must die, in a sense, to our old ways in order to reborn. This quiet dark time allows us to arrive at deeper levels of understanding and perception.

As Charleigh Robillard and I discuss in the interview below, the Fallow Times are when our ancestors would set the fields to rest and bring in the harvest. They are not time for action. These are times to work less, to contemplate and go within; to rest in the shadow. In yoga, there is a lot of discussion about the importance of light, bringing our bodies to lightness and finding the spiritual light. But we do this at the expense of receiving the benefit of the shadow. How can we find the light at all if we do not contrast it with the shadow? I find in my own lived experiences that my shadow times bring me greater nourishment. From the shadow, I can discover my roots.

Journal Prompts

  • Write about a time when you embraced the shadow. Perhaps this pandemic year has held you in more shadow, how have darker times brought awareness to new roots?

  • Write a list of shadow words. Use words that inspire your senses. Can you list shadow words for sight, sound, touch, smell, taste? Any other words that come to mind are also welcome.

  • Write a short poem about the shadow and darkness.

Practices

I urge you to find ways to connect with this darkness.

  • Light a candle instead of turning on the florescent overhead lights.

  • Candle gaze: Trataka- Light a candle and observe the flickering flame and the shadows on the wall.

  • Walk in the dark (carefully!- perhaps in a room you know well)

  • Sit in the dark.

  • Take some time off (however it is possible for you). Start by saying no to some obligations

Recipe: Chaga Chai

Drinking a hot beverage while sitting in front of a candle light might encourage you to connect to your inner realm of inspiration and dreams. Chaga is a type of mushroom that grows on Birch trees. It is usually found in cold climates. The part we harvest grows like a dark burn scar or burl. Chaga appears black because it has a high melanin content. It has many strong medicinal properties and has a mild rich flavor.

1 Tbsp Chaga mushroom (powdered or crumbled)

1 tsp of Reishi Powder (another medicinal mushroom that pairs well with Chaga)

1 Tbsp cardamon, freshly ground

3 Tbsp cinnamon chips

4 cloves

2 anise star pods

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 inch chopped fresh ginger

1 Tbsp dried dandelion root

Directions

Gently grind spices in a mortar and pestle for about a minute. Add spices, chaga, and dandelion to the about 6 cups of water, boil for 30 minutes. Strain herbs. Flavor with your choice of mylk and sweetener (I prefer cashew mylk and a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup).

Charleigh Robillard

Charleigh is a yoga teacher, tutor, and wisdom carrier in the areas of natural foods, sacred herbs, and living a life of balance and peace. In this interview, Charleigh and I discuss the importance of honoring our natural rhythms and making space for our fallow times. You can learn more about Charleigh and her offerings for the world RIGHT HERE.