A new and better approach to the coping dark winters
As the seasons change, we find ourselves in a familiar cycle. The days grow shorter, darkness settles in earlier, and a chill fills the air. Frost begins to form, and cold winds sweep down from the north.
This shift brings with it common experiences: runny noses from the cold and a noticeable dip in our vitamin D levels. Winter is on the horizon, and with it comes a time that can feel heavy and gray for many.
However, the winter months do not have to be merely a struggle. Katherine May's compelling book, "Wintering – The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times," offers an alternative perspective.
This book emphasizes that winter can also be a season of rest, calm, and introspection. After reading it, I wanted to share some of the key points that resonate not just with the winter season but also with the darker moments in our lives.
One essential idea is that we can learn to navigate our personal winters by observing nature. Nature provides us vital lessons. Just as winter is an unavoidable part of the annual cycle, we will all face challenging periods in life that resemble winter—times filled with darkness and coldness. These periods may arise from various personal circumstances, but we each have our own winters to endure.
By connecting our personal experiences to the rhythms of nature, we can discover proven strategies to help us endure until brighter days return. A challenging season can serve as a cue for us to adopt a slower pace.
Katherine May's own journey into the concept of wintering was sparked by a challenging phase in her life. She faced a series of tough situations: her husband suffered from a serious illness, she herself was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, she lost her job, and their young son encountered significant difficulties in school, leading the family to homeschool him.
These experiences forced her to pause her busy life, allowing time for rest and healing.
Throughout this process, May embraced her feelings of sadness. She began to notice and appreciate the world around her, finding comfort in observing nature. Surprisingly, even in difficult times, she found peace in adopting this slower, more reflective approach. Her focus was particularly drawn to winter.
While humans often resist the challenges that winter brings, nature has a different approach. Plants and animals do not fight against winter; instead, they accept it and adapt. They gather food, rest, and focus on regeneration. May pondered whether people could adopt a similar mindset during their own winters.
The concept of "Talvitelat" from Finnish culture offers a beneficial framework for approaching winter. This term, which doesn't have a direct English translation, reflects the preparations that Finns undertake as winter approaches.
In a land where winters are long and severe, talvitelat signifies getting ready for the cold season when the first signs of frost appear. Finns put away their summer clothing, find winter gear, chop firewood, switch their car tires for winter ones, and ensure their homes are sturdy enough to handle heavy snowfall.
This notion of preparation can inspire us in our own lives. Rather than rushing to buy many items online, we can engage in meaningful activities.
We might bake bread to keep in the freezer, gather candles and create a cozy atmosphere, stock up on our favorite teas, or preserve the last of the summer fruits. It’s all about taking time for simple, enjoyable tasks like kneading dough for fresh bread or knitting a warm sweater.
As winter approaches, reflecting on these ideas can guide us through our personal winters, transforming a time of darkness into an opportunity for nourishment and renewal.