winter and rest

Winter…

I find Winter to be a challenging season. It really messes with my head.

The crazy thing is that according to science, the shortest day of the year is December 21, the Winter Solstice.

Winter literally begins with the least amount of daylight possible for the entire year.

And yet, its seems so much darker than Autumn.

Why is that?

December 21-March 20—the days get longer. But it is such a small amount, it feels like there is no progress.

Is what I perceive true, or is it just the way I think about it, and my thinking is flawed?

I found an article on Almanac.com that explains this phenomenon.

It describes the increasing daylight as a gift that is slowly being opened.

And that is indeed, the day that has the shortest amount of daylight.

So taking that information in account…

What is the best way to thrive in Winter?

It isn’t for the faint of heart.

But it serves it purpose.

So what is its purpose?

How does Winter benefit you?

Take a look at the earth.

Look at the trees, grasses, flowers, and fruits and vegetables. Everything produces fruit in its season.

Each season is purposed for something different than all the others.

Spring is for new growth and babies to be born. Seeds start to sprout. Rains water the ground getting it ready to support life.

Summer is hot sunny days that allow for plants and animals to mature.

Autumn brings cooler nights and shorter days. It’s a time of transition from the high intensity and output of Summer to the quiet restfulness of Winter.

Winter is for rest. Winter is when the earth is quiet. It is resting and preparing for another year of production. Winter is about slowing down.

How do you slow down?

Life isn’t ideal that way.

You still have to work. Your kids still have school. There are commitments all the time.

Rest is foreign.

What happens if you use this Winter to focus on rest?

What happens if you are intentional about taking care of yourself and those you love. Not by doing more, but by mimicking the patterns we see in nature.

There is time for play and time for work, yes. But what about making time to slow down. Spend time together watching a movie, making hot cocoa from scratch. Sit by the window on a sunny day and read for just a little bit.

What happens?

What about how you nourish your body during these months?

Soups. Stews. Roasts.

Things that cook slowly. That warm the home and warm the body. Foods that take a little while to eat.

Then what happens?

Does it feed your soul?

Do you feel warmed and loved?

Does you family feel warmed and loved?

Make popcorn and play games for an evening.

Use candles in the evening.

Take a bath in Epsom salts before bed.

Get together with friends for an evening of fun, but it keep it simple. Everyone brings something to eat and then just enjoy being with each other.

Cherish the moments of each day.

There are challenges with this.

It takes discipline. It takes intentionality. It means saying no to other things.

Wintering well requires trusting the process. The cold, short, cloudy days take a toll on the mind and body. Routine is important because it allows the body to register the passing of time. Otherwise, it becomes a never-ending loop of darkness.

I was trying to find an analogy for this concept. Look at flowers. They can’t bloom in the winter. There isn’t enough light or warmth for them. Now imagine you are the flower. You can’t bloom all year long. You need the cold to hibernate and prepare for growth when it gets warm and sunny again. Embrace the hibernation.

If this is something new to you, I encourage you to think of some ways to incorporate rest into you daily Winter routines. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind. The constant running wears on the body and soul.

Find something simple you can do to nourish you and your family.

Embrace the serenity of the quiet. Embrace the cold and then nourish with warmth.

Get outside everyday and watch Winter do its thing. Watch the birds. Watch the sun. Watch the snow. They all tell a story.

And then tell your own story in how you live during this season.

Make it a season to look forward to, because you know how to thrive in it, not just survive.