Winter, a Time for Reflection and Rebirth

Winter, a time for reflection and rebirth

December 6, 2010

            As I feel winter approaching I am usually in a frenzy of activity trying to finish up all the things that need to be done to the house, the yard, and the cars to fortify them for winter.  I feel the need to have additional supplies on hand in case we get a lot of snow and I start to crave hearty foods.  By the time I finally wind up my list, I am taking ibuprofen because I have strained muscles in my lower back and that is actually what lets me know that I am finally done.

            I actually love the frozen beauty of the winter landscape, but it invariably signals a return to my inner life and the process of making it through the long dark nights of winter. The short days make the experience of leaving for work and returning home in darkness seem almost surreal.   Activities that would normally anchor my day are temporarily disabled such as gardening, sitting outside with my morning coffee, and walking in the evening. 

Winter does provide the perfect environment to quiet the mind from the constant push of our culture to achieve ever greater things. The increasing darkness seems to invite examination of self and finding a mood that draws me inward towards clarity and understanding. I seem to spend more time alone and like the quietness of it.  Often I will go to bed early because I love the feel of my bed linens and its warmth and comfort.  I enjoy feeling cocooned and protected.  Sometimes I just want to settle down next to the fire, with a big bowl of hot soup or chili and my two cats.  It is so dark out there and all that I want is in here.