An Appreciation of Winter

I just did a search for "winter solstice" and came upon the Wikipedia entry which includes, in alphabetical order, a few dozen celebrations around the world!!  Some are historical in significance, while others are still practiced today.  Awesome!!!  The one that speaks most to me is Yule.

 

The cyclical season of winter is, of course, characterized by cold & snow.  However, it is also a time of hibernation, reflection, rejuvenation.  One can see this in the realms of human, animal and nature.

 

Animals hibernate.  Energy is reserved.  Food has been stored away in anticipation of the cold & snow.

 

Plants lay dormant.  No energy is expended, while awaiting the spring sun & rains.

 

Humans used to have food stores from their bountiful harvests and the "sacrifice" of their animals.  Wood was chopped to keep the home hearth ablaze.  Little time was spent out of doors for fear of freezing to death.

 

In the 21st century, we have many modern conveniences which preclude the necessity of food storage and large hearth fires.  However, we do have the less fortunate among us and those who live far outside of urbanized areas (say farmers, ranchers, etc.) that need to be vigilant about how to eat and stay warm during this harsh season.

 

For those of us in the fortunate situation of having warm homes and full (enough) cabinets and refrigerators, this time can be used to work inside ourselves.  We can reflect back over the past year on our successes, failures, accomplishments, weaknesses, achievements.  On our loves, laughs, sorrows.  Any and every aspect of our life and our selves...the good, the bad & the ugly, as they say.

 

I suspect the idea for New Year's resolutions came about after a reflective practice.  It's important to not only acknowledge the past, but also to create a plan, a framework, a list of what we will do in the new year having learned from the old one. 

 

Winter is a seasonal metaphor for the last chapter in our lives, as we can look back with all of our years of living and wisdom to see the path we have traveled.  A time when, as elders, we can be looked upon for advice.  A time when expediency is abhorred, and leisurely enjoyment of each day is foremost (perhaps because of a more focused view of one's mortality).   

 

Winter is the crone aspect of the witch triad.  The final of the three phases.  The elder, the wizened woman.

 

We can choose to hibernate or lay dormant or we can choose to reflect and learn. 

 

We can prepare ourselves for spring, a time of renewal and rebirth, by taking a critical look at ourselves, our finances, our marriage, our families, our friendships and carve out what no longer serves us and strengthen what feeds us. 

 

I'm not saying you have to make a resolution list, as those last about as long as the winter season, at most!  I am saying take each season and use it, both symbolically and literally, for inner work.  A process, which can be marked quarterly, yearly, seasonally, for a lifetime. 

 

It's never too late to look back, it's never too late to be in the moment and it's never too late to be forward thinking.  The important thing to remember is to take time to assess and learn and grow.

 

 

Winter will give way to spring, which will pass to summer that will lead to fall, which returns to winter.

 

Just like all of nature, we have the capacity to adapt.

“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.”  Frank Herbert