Embracing Winter
Written by Dr. Keith Thurlow-Bishop
When I sat down to start writing this blog, my initial ideas were all about ways we can ‘survive’ winter. I toyed with the ‘hunker down and wait for spring’ approach, and then the ‘let’s kick winter to the curb and show it what we’re made of’ approach, both of which are viable options, and I support whatever choices you make, but here’s another way we could view this season: with a warm , open, and gentle heart. I know that may have been easier during those first brisk mornings, where we enjoy pulling out our winter jackets and scarves for the first time, when festive lights twinkle and there’s a bit of magic romanticizing the season. But we are now in early February, where the novelty has worn off and the cold grey has settled in with a promise to stay for a few more months.
‘‘I fully appreciate that, for some of you, this season truly is an ordeal to be struggled through or conquered, and, if that’s the case, please do whatever it is that you need to do to get through. However, for those of you for whom winter isn’t such a challenge, perhaps we could actually come to value and embrace these colder, shorter days and longer nights.‘‘
I fully appreciate that, for some of you, this season truly is an ordeal to be struggled through or conquered, and, if that’s the case, please do whatever it is that you need to do to get through. However, for those of you for whom winter isn’t such a challenge, perhaps we could actually come to value and embrace these colder, shorter days and longer nights.
Like all other mammals living in places with seasonal variations like Canada, our physiology (and psychology) starts to change in the autumn as a preparation for winter. Whilst we as humans don’t hibernate, we do start to slow down, and our ancestors would have spent the autumn months preparing by stockpiling food and readying the home. In the colder, darker winter months, time would have been spent together, mending, creating, sharing stories, and strengthening a sense of belonging.
I wonder if there’s a contemporary version of this that might work for you? Perhaps you need to stockpile books or creative art projects? Do you want to make mindful choices about who you want to spend time with? Or maybe you can give yourself permission to slow down your daily routine, expect less of yourself, and lessen the belief that you need to be productive all the time?
When you think about it, it’s strange that we expect ourselves to be as busy in the winter as we can be in the summer. Yes, family members still need your care, your dog still needs walking, household chores still need to be done, and we still need to show up for work or school, but in between, could we slow down? Could we work with the natural rhythms of the seasons and our bodies, rather than trying to fight against them? Could we consider valuing the darkness, the coldness, and the invitation to slow down as much as we’re told to value the light, warmth, and productivity of summer? Not so long ago, our ancestors did. Could we, too?
Katherine May’s beautiful and insightful book, “Wintering: the power of rest and retreat in difficult times”, is a lovely one to read at this time of the year.
Here are a few ways to welcome winter that you might find helpful:
Move your body: again, getting outside for a walk could accomplish this, but on days when this feels impossible, do some gentle stretching or yoga, or put on your favourite music and dance
Pray or meditate: winter is a time when we tend to withdraw into ourselves anyway, so this may the perfect time to deepen your faith or spiritual practice
Be creative: take time each day to do something creative. This may be cooking a new meal, rearranging your home, or picking up an old (or new) hobby such as drawing, sewing, or playing an instrument
Socializing: after we have fulfilled any obligatory gatherings, perhaps we can make time to spend time with folks with whom we feel at ease and can just enjoy the pleasure of their company
Get outside: even on a cold or rainy day, getting outside increases serotonin levels
And, if winter truly is an ordeal for you and just getting through is the best you can do, that’s OK. We have passed the winter solstice and, if we pay attention, we can start to notice that the light is returning and that signs of spring are going to be here soon.
