December often comes with a strange contradiction. On the surface, there’s talk of slowing down, wrapping things up, reflecting. Underneath, many of us feel more rushed, more tense, more overwhelmed than usual.

December has a strange energy. One part of life speeds up. Deadlines, social plans, loose ends everywhere. Another part feels tired and wants to slow down. Many people tell me they feel both motivated and overwhelmed at the same time. And part of me also feels these energies floating around.