You leave the house while it is still dark. You come back after work and turn on the light again. Between obligations you try to find time for family, shopping, rest and to take care of another matter. Sometimes only in the evening do you notice that during the whole day you did not ask yourself: how do I actually feel today?
As a Reiki specialist and spiritual counseling practitioner I work with people who come with various needs. For me the starting point is conversation and attention to the person. Before we begin a session, I want to know what the person needs and what they are coming to me with.
The Norwegian winter is a good moment to give yourself that kind of attention also outside the office. In this text I share my own perspective and tips from Norwegian sources. I present my Reiki experience and health recommendations as two separate areas.
Norwegian winter does not have to mean a loss of energy
The word mørketid is associated with darkness, long evenings and waiting for the sun's return. In the strict sense it refers to the polar night, when the sun does not rise above the horizon. In southern Norway daytime still occurs in winter, although it is short.
Each of us can experience this time differently. One person likes the winter calm, another longs for long days. I do not want to start from the assumption that winter must drain our energy.
Researchers' caution confirms this. In a study covering more than 21,000 inhabitants of Tromsø aged at least 40, seasonal differences in sleep were small or did not occur. No seasonal changes in sleep duration were found. The mere presence of the polar night therefore does not mean that everyone will sleep poorly.
Instead of expecting deterioration, I suggest looking at your own rhythm. What helps me rest? What have I had too much of recently? What do I constantly put off until later?
What do I mean by "inner sun"?
When I write about the "inner sun" I mean a metaphor: a feeling of warmth, calm and connection with oneself to which we can return on more difficult days.
Reiki plays an important role in my life. It is a spiritual practice that I understand as work with universal energy. Earlier, in a conversation for Twoja Norwegia, I said:
"It helped me maintain harmony in my life, sort out certain matters, give priority to the right things".
That is how I describe my own path. It does not mean that every person will experience the same or that a session will replace sleep, daylight or necessary medical help.
My "inner sun" is also connected with allowing myself to pause. With noticing that I do not have to function at full capacity all year round.
What does pausing look like during a Reiki session?
I begin the meeting with a conversation. I ask about the participant's needs and their expectations. It is a space where one can speak about both curiosity and doubts.
During the session I work with hands placed on selected spots or held above the body. In my practice there are also stones, sounds and guided visualization. At the end we talk about the sensations.
The participant may ask questions, report discomfort and interrupt the meeting. Boundaries and comfort are more important than following a pre-established course of the session.
I do not expect any specific reaction either. There are people who do not feel anything in particular. I do not treat this as a failure on the part of the participant. The meeting is not a test of the ability to feel.
My spiritual perspective and scientific knowledge
When describing Reiki, I use the language of energy because that is how I understand my practice. At the same time, I want to make clear where personal belief ends and confirmed knowledge begins.
The Norwegian center NAFKAM points out that for some forms of healing, touch and the participant's expectations can matter. The concept of a universal healing force, however, is not regarded as likely in light of the natural sciences.
Therefore I describe Reiki as my spiritual practice and an individual experience. I do not present it as a proven method for treating seasonal depression or chronic fatigue.
One can be interested in spirituality and at the same time use diagnostics, treatment, and psychological help. Seeking peace does not require giving up healthcare.
First, let's take care of the everyday basics
Before we plan the next activity, it's worth checking whether there is room in our day for basic needs.
Helsenorge recommends regular sleeping and waking times, exposure to morning daylight, and a calm evening ritual. It also points out limiting screens before sleep. During the dark period, daylight lamps can be helpful.
You can start with a small change: a short outing during the brightest part of the day, putting your phone away earlier, or preparing a calmer end to the evening.
Not everyone has the same possibilities. Shift work, caring for loved ones, or health limitations affect the organization of the day. It's worth looking for solutions that can be maintained in your own daily life.
Koselig - a space where you feel good
I like to think of rest as something we can tailor to ourselves. The Norwegian koselig evokes coziness, but it does not have to mean a perfectly furnished living room.
It can be a warm meal eaten without haste, calm music, a book, or a conversation with someone close. For someone interested in my practice, such a time might be a Reiki session. Someone else will choose a walk or a moment of silence in their own home.
I suggest asking yourself three questions:
When did I last rest without feeling guilty?
What gives me pleasure even though it brings no "result"?
What small step can I take for myself this week?
You don't have to change your whole life at once. Sometimes the most important thing is noticing a need that we have long neglected.
Not every tiredness is "just winter"
Mindfulness toward oneself also means being ready to seek help.
Helsenorge recommends contacting a specialist when low mood persists for more than two weeks, daily functioning becomes difficult, or the condition worsens. You can start by talking to a general practitioner. In some municipalities, Rask psykisk helsehjelp is also available. With severe symptoms, you do not have to wait two weeks.
It is not worth explaining persistent exhaustion on your own solely by the season or by energy. NAFKAM emphasizes that a risk of alternative practices is delaying needed medical help.
Winter in your own rhythm
Reiki has become an important part of my life. It has helped me — this is my personal experience — to look differently at difficulties, priorities and my own needs.
However, I am not suggesting a single remedy for everyone. I encourage you to look at yourself and find a space where you can rest without pressure.
If the image of the "inner sun" is close to you, treat it as a reminder of what gives you warmth and support. Also remember daylight, sleep, contact with people and asking for help when you need it.
Agata Klingenberg
Reiki and spiritual consultation specialist, AJNA Shadowlight
Learn about my practice - AJNA Shadowlight
Read the interview about my journey to Reiki
