Embracing Winter

Last year, I read Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Kathryn May. A friend recommended it. It wasn’t on my original TBR list, but I decided to pick it up because this friend rarely misses.

And she didn’t miss this time either.

Wintering is a personal narrative about May’s pain and persistence during a difficult season —her husband falls seriously ill, her son begins having issues at school, and she develops her own medical issues, which inevitably changes the trajectory of her career. It’s not what one would call a happy read. About halfway through the book, I started to wonder when does the rest and retreat part kick in?

But thankfully, I kept reading, and the overall message resonated with me. It’s during the Winter (i.e., the periods of hardship and sadness) that define who we are and shape who we become.

Winter (both metaphorically and literally) comes for us all. While so many perceive winter as a time of hibernation or a hold-over between the holidays and spring, I (inspired by May) challenge you to think differently about it– Winter is a unique opportunity to self-reflect. Just as nature undergoes a period of rest and renewal, so too we can embrace the winter season as a time for inner contemplation and development.

So how do you do that? Great question. In short order, I recommend the following:

Embrace Stillness.

Winter often encourages us to slow down and embrace moments of stillness. The shorter days and longer nights prompt us to seek warmth and comfort indoors. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, it’s an invitation to turn inward, fostering a sense of tranquility and reflection. Embracing stillness allows us to listen to our inner thoughts, feelings, and aspirations that might otherwise get drowned out in the busyness of life.

Cultivating Mindfulness.

The quiet beauty of winter landscapes can serve as a solid backdrop for practicing mindfulness. Whether it’s observing snowflakes falling gently to the ground, or feeling the crispness of the air, being present at the moment can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

Practice Self-Care.

Winter is an opportunity to prioritize yourself—whether that be in the form of expensive self-care, long walks, hot baths, or curling up with a good book—you should do it. Engage in self-care (or whatever you want to call it) not only rejuvenates our bodies but nurtures our emotional and mental health, allowing us to emerge from winter stronger and more resilient.

Reflect on your Goals and Intentions.

Just as nature undergoes a period of dormancy before spring blooms anew, winter can serve as a season for intention setting and personal growth. It’s an excellent time to reflect on the past year, assess your new year goals, and envision aspirations for the year ahead.

Learning from Nature’s Resilience.

Winter teaches us resilience through the way nature endures harsh conditions. Trees shed their leaves and go dormant, yet they trust the cycle of renewal. Similarly, we can draw inspiration from nature’s resilience to navigate our own challenges. Embracing winter as a metaphor for life’s inevitable hardships encourages us to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and strength in the face of adversity.

Cultivating Gratitude.

During winter, we must acknowledge what we are grateful for and derive simple pleasures from it. Whether it’s the warmth of a cozy sweater or the joy of sharing moments with loved ones indoors, practicing gratitude can shift our perspective towards appreciation and contentment, fostering a more positive outlook on life.

As we embark on the winter ahead, I wish for you quiet days of rest and reflection.

Happy Wintering!