Depending on where you live this winter has been intense. Although I do not enjoy the loss of heat or electricity and increase in drama that storms can bring, I do enjoy the quiet. I am borrowing a term a friend used: enforced relaxation. Perhaps winter is really giving us a gift … Explore this possibility with me for a moment. Not too long ago when the sun rose we rose, when it set we set. We ate what was in season because we had to, planned and prepared for the change in season. In many traditions the darkest part of the year is when we would go inwards and reflect. Again, every day I am grateful for heat and I make an effort to feed the birds and other critters because I am grateful I am in doors looking out.
I know I need to make some decisions and it is easier to do so when a blanket of snow has covered me in silence, forced me to turn off the electronics, turn my attention to what is really important. I also know that the grey of winter is usually very draining to me. This year with so much snow everything is bright, it has been a long time since I have used so much sunscreen in winter. This is a wonderful season to reconnect with a physical book, knit, paint draw, make stews, enjoy cuddling under the blankets … Appreciate the beauty no photograph can capture. Cook or bake in preparation for the storm. Make something extra to share with a neighbor if it gets bad. Connect.
I am just asking that we revisit this winter. Is it secretly a gift we are all being given to direct our attention where it truly needs to go. Lastly, I really am really VERY grateful for heat!
