“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” John Steinbeck

As I sit here in my warm, comfortable den with my 2 energetic dogs, Buffy and her mom, Sugar, and look out in my backyard at how the tapestry has changed from beautiful flowers, gardens, and pretty green lawn, I wanted to take time to enjoy this season of ‘winter.’

We know that with each of our four seasons comes a wave of different emotions; from the excitement of summer to the freshness of spring to the introspection of autumn. Then we await the darker days, sometimes gloomy days of winter, though it be very challenging at times.

We tend to spend more time indoors, experience less sunlight and daylight hours, and turn to more slumber. With all of these changes in the natural environment comes changes in our moods and emotions. We tend to feel our emotions and moods change with fatigue and depression, etc. Then, in many cases, this makes winter one of the most dreadful times of the year for many people.

However, when we look at nature and the wise ways our bodies connect to it, we see how this quieter time of year actually holds its own value as part of an essential cycle in balance. But as John Steinbeck, the poet wrote, "we need the winter to give the season its sweetness."

Even though the winter represents phases of dormancy and stillness and change in scenery in natural elements, the darker months of winter still can bring replenishment and rejuvenation. It even gives us a chance to spend more time with friends and family, within the coziness of our homes. We have time to restore our energy by inward reflection and creativity.

Allow me to share some things that will help you embrace this season as much as the summer-fall seasons.

Let’s look at some ways to reap the rewards of this introspective season.

1. Sleep:

You and I both know winter is an ideal time to slow down our pace and catch up on all of the rest we missed throughout the year.

I love to sew and make blankets; I’m also a soap maker and the winter season gives me more time to do a lot of these activities. Winter is also a time to hibernate.

Because it gets darker earlier, it gives me time to go to bed a little earlier and languish the darker mornings. We all love to cuddle up under the warm cover and just sleep a little longer.

Getting adequate sleep is essential for staying healthy. The body does some great things for us at night when we get proper sleep. So, turning down the bright lights and screens will result in great benefits for us. Around us all the time, this practice may take a few days to adjust, but it will improve the depth and quality of our sleep, recharging our body and spirit for the rest of the year.

2. Replenishing the Spirit:

Winter is a season to nourish our creativity. During the winter season, we turn inward and make space for new projects and activities; getting ready for the holidays to come during this season.

Whatever our choice is — from cooking, decorating, sewing, crafts, etc., the main thing is to engage in activities that leave us feeling inspired and full of energy and optimism. So let us consider winter to be our incubation phase and the great season to create and render our visions for the year.

3. Time with Family and Friends:

Finally, dreary weather often makes us want to stay indoors, eat more food and cozy up on the couch, watch our favorite TV show or be on our social media in our own little of the house.

So then, why not invite some family and friends to join? Winter is a great time to reconnect over a nourishing meal or cup of tea/hot cocoa, share stories, catch up and laugh.

As we live in a culture that places incredible value on doing and being productive, we often miss out on the act of simply being. There are so many things that distract us from engaging with our families right in our own homes. Family is the ultimate of all creation on the earth and rightfully so.

Families who share quality time together tend toward strong emotional bonds as well as a sense of stability and belonging. Likewise, friendships with deep heart connections (not just shared interests) provide a broader base from which to draw when challenging life events occur.

I implore you to embrace winter as a season to truly nurture the human connections that mean the most and enjoy food or couch-potato time with loved ones.

Relax your mind and give thanks for all the things you have been given during this season of your life.
Enjoy the moment!!