This season it is recommended to slow down and reconnect with your heart

Dear reader

What's up for you in 2026? My teacher, Master Mantak Chia, recently reminded his students that this time of year is a change from dark to light.

As you know, with the Solstice—the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere—dark nights begin to recede and brighter days begin to expand. In Taoism, Yin is associated with darkness and Yang with light. In this tradition, it is said that now Yang quietly returns within stillness.

This season it is recommended to slow down and reconnect with your heart. It's a good time to forgive, let go of old burdens, and begin again with more love, peace, and compassion for yourself and others.

As part of that commitment, I would like to introduce my "I love you" practice. It's nothing new, and it's simple. First, start with yourself. There are many ways to do it. You may say out loud to yourself, "I love you," and mean it, while maybe looking in the mirror or not. You may say "I love you" inside your mind and feel it.

If you're able to stay with that thought or feeling for a while, it will begin to fill all the cells in your body with an electromagnetic message of love. As you expand that feeling of love onto yourself, extend it to others and feel that feeling. Then, finally, beam that love out to all beings.

This practice can't hurt. It will only help yourself and others.

My wish for you, as well as myself, in 2026 is to find more love, peace, and compassion.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Linda

FUN FACT

Oxytocin is nicknamed the "love hormone" — and you can hack your own supply for free! A 20-second hug with a person or pet is all it takes to trigger its release. That's it. No prescription, no supplements, just 20 seconds of genuine connection. Bonus: it lowers cortisol too. So next time you're stressed, hug it out — doctor's orders.

Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.