As the year draws to a close, co-hosts Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson invite us into a rare and honest pause — one rooted in winter, vulnerability, and the courage to rest inside the practice.

Recorded from two very different journeys — Belinda traveling through Prague, drawn by its alchemical history and mystery, and Omar returning from a weeklong Loving Kindness retreat — this final episode of the year reflects on what it means to step back in order to truly listen.

When the world feels loud, accelerated, and uncertain, how do we remember what actually matters?

Joined by longtime friend and teacher Dr. Paul Wang, the conversation unfolds as a winter council — a space for reflection, truth-telling, and reorientation as one cycle closes and another begins.

Through stories of intentional travel, retreat, loving-kindness practice, and creative transition, this episode explores a central question:

How do we pause without disappearing — and rest without abandoning what we love?

Together, they explore:
❄️ Winter as a practice of retreat, remembrance, and re-centering
🕯 Rest as an active devotion — “rest in the practice,” not away from it
🐍 The wisdom of composting, shedding and renewal as the Year of the Snake comes to completion
🔥 Preparing for the expansion of the Year of the Fire Horse by clarifying what qualities, values and virtues to amplify in the lunar new year
🌹 Rose (Vulnerability) — this month’s Gratitude Blooming card, a heartfelt reminder that truth, trust, and connection begin with being seen

This episode also marks a threshold for the Gratitude Blooming podcast itself — a gentle transition from monthly recordings toward more live, intimate practices on Substack, where reflection can unfold in real time and in community.

Lunar New Year Raffle: Original Gratitude Blooming Art

As we approach the Lunar New Year in 2026, artist Arlene Kim Suda is offering a raffle featuring original watercolor paintings from the Gratitude Blooming collection — luminous, seasonal reminders of what matters most. Proceeds will support Gratitude Blooming to amplify and grow organically in 2026.

This episode is not an ending. It is a wintering.

A moment to rest, remember, and choose what you’ll carry forward — with honesty, gentleness, and gratitude.

Let the Gratitude Blooming practice gently hold you.

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Join us live on substack to participate in our monthly community practice: https://gratitudeblooming.substack.com

Create an intentional practice or give meaningful gifts with the Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candles and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com.

Learn more about our co-hosts and special guest for Season 4:

Co-host Belinda Liu | Hestia Retreat Centers

Co-host Omar Brownson | Trickster's Guide to Immortality on Substack

Special Guest Dr. Paul Wang | The Dao Center

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