Winter Feelings

georgiatayl
4 days ago
2 min read

Winter can be a tough season for many of us. The days are shorter, the skies a little greyer, and the cold can sometimes make us want to hibernate - physically and emotionally.

I know that for me, winter often brings a natural slowing-down, and with that can come a mix of feelings: a longing for warmth and light, but also a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around me in a quieter way.

This winter, SBMT has been inspired to channel that reflective energy into a new music therapy activity, a winter-themed lyric substitution set to the classic tune “I Feel Good (I Got You)” by James Brown. It’s a fun, upbeat way to explore the sensory aspects of the season - while also giving participants a chance to slow down and mindfully connect with their environment.

Using a set of winter-themed word cards - think “shivery” “misty” “fleecey” “cozy” - participants are invited to co-create their own version of the song. We explore what winter feels, sounds, smells, and looks like, and then plug those discoveries into the lyrics. The result? A completely unique song that reflects each participant’s own seasonal experience.

Here’s a little example of how I used it based on my own feelings on this wintery day:

I feel warm, like I knew that I would now

I feel spiced, like I know that I should now

So cozy, so cozy

I feel warm, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Not only is it fun, but it’s also a great way to build emotional literacy, support sensory integration, and encourage creativity.

As a therapist, I love seeing how proud people feel when they hear their own words sung out loud. I also love how adaptable this activity is. Whether you're in a classroom, a MT session, or around the kitchen table, you can swap in words that reflect your countries winter or your personal associations with the season.

Winter really can feel good - especially when you sing about it.

Want more seasonal resources? Check out our other winter resources on the SBMT website here or access our adults and kids winter playlists on Spotify

Georgia is a Registered Music Therapist and joined the Sounding Board team in 2021. A proficient vocalist and guitarist, she is passionate about facilitating personalized, empowering and collaborative music therapy experiences