“The plants and the earth are resting. Maybe we should too. The long days will be here soon enough. -Rebecca Rainden
Last week, I was given a front-row seat to a thing of beauty and tranquility.
Nature was putting on a spectacular show.
Something was happening that wasn’t unusual for our area, but the difference was that I slowed down to appreciate it. Looking out my backyard window, a shower of big, fluffy snowflakes was falling. My little place in the world was experiencing a snowfall, one that gave us several inches of exquisite beauty before it was finished for the day. At that moment, it was all fresh and untouched by man or animal. A peaceful landscape was mine to enjoy and all it took on my part was to pause long enough to take it all in. I’m so thankful that I didn’t miss it.
Have you ever wandered outside while the snow is coming down? There is a peace that comes, a peace that feels as if a blanket has been spread on top of all the surrounding noise, muffling it to a background whisper. It is a gift when you live in an area that is usually never quiet, such as mine. The trees may no longer have leaves blowing in the rhythm of their wind dance, but the snow and ice sparkling on their branches are no less beautiful and captivating to me in its winter wonderland.
Later in the evening, as I looked out that same window, I saw another scene that took my breath away. It does that every time I see it. It only happens in the winter. If you have never been around snow at night, it is hard to imagine how bright the darkest of nights can be. It’s as if someone has turned on the softest of lamplight, illuminating the area around you with its gentle glow. You can see everything. If there is moonlight shining upon the scene, it is even more spectacular. I have been known to step outside at night, in the middle of winter, and take in all the natural wonder surrounding me in its peaceful brightness. The clouds may cover the stars and moon, but there is still a stage production being performed by nature, beckoning me to step into it as I hold my breath to marvel at the creation of it all.
I embrace this quiet stillness of winter. I savor the welcoming period of winter cozy. These are the days and nights where, if I desire, I can wrap myself up in the warmest of blankets, grab a pile of books, sit by the fire, and live in the nook of hibernation that I have created for myself for hours on end. These are not frivolous times, but times of great value in restoring my mind and filling my soul with joy. They are required to keep my mindset leaning more towards the positive and not the negative, giving me time to dream and plan.
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” – Paul Theroux
I know that many of you do not enjoy winter. It is something to plod your way through to get to what you consider the good parts of the year. I understand that to a degree, especially when we are dealing with an Arctic blast right now, but I do have a question for you. When you were a child did you experience great joy playing outside in the snow and cold? At the doorway, did you stop and complain about the cold or the lack of sunshine, or did you run out into the cold in great anticipation of the adventures that you were going to have in the snow with the limitlessness of your imagination?
“It was the kind of snow that brought children running out their doors, made them turn their faces skyward, and spin in circles with their arms outstretched.” – Eowyn Ivey
Could you spend hours out there building snowmen, having snowball fights, creating tunnels in the snowdrifts, only to start moaning when your mom called you back inside? I know that I could. What changed? Could it be the attitude with which we greet winter? Is it possible to make an attitude adjustment? Can we find the beauty of the season and embrace it again with childlike wonder, even though we have adult responsibilities that must be met, no matter what the weather brings our way?
In the days and weeks ahead, I want to share with you some of the treasures I have found that bring me comfort and joy no matter how cold and snowy it is outside while preparing me for the seasons to come.
For today, I challenge you to find the value in rest. Be kind to yourself, banish the resolutions, and instead aim for things that bring happiness to your heart, doing more of the “want to” and less of the “should do”. One little trick that I do, one that I find will boost my mood instantly, is when I choose to do simple acts of kindness. The beautiful thing about these little gestures is that they will spread happiness around, not only changing your outlook and well-being, but the recipient of your actions too.
Not sure where to begin? Here is a good list of options. Random acts of kindness | Mental Health Foundation Some won’t even require you to leave your little nook of hibernation.
Share your thoughts below in the comments.
♦ Do you have a favorite way to enjoy the winter months?
♦ Do you enjoy winter sports or are you an indoor, under-the-covers kind of person?
Winter isn’t my favorite season, I used to dread the holidays ending and those long cold months dragging by while I wished my life away yearning for spring.
As you mentioned it’s a mindset which mine has changed about winter it’s my time to research, learn, rest and enjoy my home.
Even though it’s still not my favorite season, I now see the need for it and how it prepares me for the other 3 seasons.
I do love how snow looks in the night
For me, the high heat of the summer is my least favorite, but like you, I have reached a point where I am not wishing the days away to get to the “good parts”. Each day is a gift to be treasured and to grow and learn from what lies within it.