My ancestors hail from Norway where the weather is cold and the days are short. When we were kids we were taught to wear our layers! There were specific instructions with this layering: tuck in the base layer, and be prepared to take on and off top layers according to your exercise, the outdoor temperature and the prevailing winds. The wisdom was/is that there is no such thing as bad weather, just underdressed people.

I use this wisdom constantly, much to the amusement of my children (for every one layer they put on, I have three). Layers are empowering because they encourage outdoor adventure and individual agency. You can handle the cold, windy and stormy weather. You can handle it physically because it ensures safety and warmth. During this current cold snap I have been thinking about how the idea of layers goes beyond the physical. We don’t simply need clothing layers, we need layers of action that we add to our lives in order to empower us, keep us safe and warm, encourage agency and help us to handle the mental storms of life. I am not talking earth shattering, expensive layers. I am talking about the basic layers you need to weather the emotional storms heading your way.  What is your base and subsequent layers?

Take a minute and think. Everyone has different layers required. Everyone is in a different situation, with different experiences and levels of health. Maybe you are like my children and you only need two layers whereas I need six. Ha! Either way, are you doing what needs to be done to stay healthy and warm? What little layers do you need to make sure you add in order to be ready for life’s adventures: empowered, safe and full of agency?

So although I require many layers, here is a look at a few of my base layers that I attempt to tuck in everyday!

Basic Base layers: 1. Sleep. 2. Drink Water. 3. Eat nutritious foods. 4. Exercise. 5. Mindfulness and breath work. 6. Gratitudes when I wake up and as I fall asleep. 7. Time with family/friends

A woman in a tartan scarf and knitted woollen mitts, keeping her hands warm in cold weather.

layers.

You can live a full, deep and abundant life. I would be honored to help you get there! ​