Reflections from Soul Trak 2025 Environmental Leaders Fellows – November 2025

We’re excited to spotlight the contributions of our 2025 Environmental Leadership Fellows: Dede, Ayanna, and Jahmal — each of whom has brought care, creativity, and commitment to our work this season. From event support to community engagement, their leadership has helped bring our mission to life in meaningful ways.

This month, Fellows focused on reflection and storytelling through written pieces. One article explores the shift into colder weather in the DMV and emphasizes the importance of staying active and connected to community during the winter months. Another reflection, written by Dede, looks back on an Outdoor Climbing Day as an example of how Soul Trak provides space, support, and community, even during the colder months, while fostering challenge and personal growth.

Read below for reflections from our Environmental Leadership Fellows on this month’s programming:

Navigating the Dark Months: Simple Strategies for Winter Well-Being

A reflection by Jahmal Clemons

Jack Frost nips at your nose. You’re bundled tight. You grit your teeth to leave when you’d rather be snug as a bug in a rug.

Congratulations, you’ve reached the darkest ten weeks of the year: five before the winter solstice (December 21), starting mid-November, and five after.

We all have our coping mechanisms, but many people feel their mental health is under assault during these long, dark months. The good news is that there are simple, if not always easy, steps you can take to help yourself navigate these days.

Maintain Your Sleep Schedule

Dr. Timo Partonen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, says winter darkness affects our circadian rhythm. Limited sunlight may prompt longer sleep in winter and leave us less refreshed. Others might procrastinate bedtime to steal time amid seasonal demands.

Though I’m not immune to a weeknight ’emergency’ Scandal rewatch, it’s not the healthiest routine. To help your schedule, Partonen suggests a sunrise alarm clock that gradually lights your bedroom. Set a reasonable bedtime and turn off devices at least an hour before to help your brain wind down. Your future self will thank you for feeling more in control of your sleep.

Hibernate, But Not Too Much

Less sunlight and colder weather signal us to retreat. Trees drop leaves, bears find caves, and the Danish embrace hygge, the art of coziness. Grab a mug, a warm blanket, and restore yourself in ways that work for you.

Don’t stay inside all winter. Cold temperatures can benefit your health: boosting brain function and skin vibrancy. Exercising outside makes your heart work harder and burns more calories. Increase benefits by enjoying the season with others at winter SoulTrak events. Connecting with others helps us feel less alone!

Be the Light  

It’s easy to feel consumed by the darkness when our senses are bombarded by stories of loss, anger, fear, and frivolity constantly. It takes a conscious effort to stay positive and not reflect that outlook on yourself and the world. Now, as much as ever, it’s crucial to find ways to bring light into your life daily. Start that art project. Consume things that uplift you. Do whatever you can to practice positivity and appreciate the moment. Nothing stays the same forever, but the more we grow our internal light, the less heavy the dark can feel.

We might be counting down the days until spring, but let’s enjoy the journey along the way!

November Fall Outdoor Climbing Day

A reflection by Dede Lawal

The Fall Outdoor Climbing Day was moved to Sportrock due to rainy weather, but all the participants took the change of location in stride. It was great climbing with familiar and new faces – all with the enthusiasm to improve their climbing skills. The instructors were able to pivot and had a section for climbing, a section for repelling, a section to learn how to belay, and a section to practice anchor building for outdoor climbs.

During the Soul Trak opening circle I was struck with how much I’ve accomplished as a climber thanks to Soul Trak. I was a complete novice when I attended the Top Rope Meetup in March, I didn’t know how to put on the harness let alone how to tie into the rope. Now, after climbing for close to a year I am belay certified, I have the courage to attempt challenging routes, I’ve climbed outdoors in Utah, I can repel, and I have the confidence to encourage and support others in the climbing space. It has been so fun learning this new skill and I wouldn’t have known where to start without Soul Trak!