Mid-Winter

Snowy sidewalk

The bleak mid-winter is almost upon us. In fact, much of the United States is getting blanketed by a snow and ice storm. This time of year, just leaving your home can feel like an ordeal. You not only need to put on layer after layer of clothing, but you also have to scrape together whatever energy hasn't been taken by the cold and dark. The world feels lifeless as it seems to have been turned to black and white. The air is quiet while the animals also are fighting to make it through the season.

This season is one of patience. While things may feel slow and frozen, in fact much is already at work where we cannot see. Seeds that dropped in the fall are making their preparations to emerge. This time of nothingness is needed before the big showiness of the other seasons. Too often we are expected to be constantly producing, constantly showing up, constantly consuming. Too much of this results in burn out, so it only seems appropriate that the remedy would be leaning into the coldness of winter. Much invisible good can be done in the shadows. Stillness is required for the glory of spring.

We can still look for signs of hope, though. At mid-winter, we may notice that there seems to be a hint of more light. There's a stirring in the air and we feel the whispers of a rising force. This is a challenging time for so many reasons, and I hope that being present in the season can offer some support.

Here are some journal prompts to consider how you can give yourself rest:

• To be still is not necessarily to be without action. How can you be powerful in stillness?

• Where do you need to cool things? In what ways are things too hot?

• Who in your life can you invite to rest with you? Where can you do this?

Ritual Ideas for Mid-Winter

1. Go outside. Take the time to feel the cold on your cheeks and soak in the silence. This is particularly good if you can do this shortly after a snowfall. On this walk, appreciate how much less input and stimulation is available this time of year. There is less color, less sound. Identify where in your body this void feels restorative.

2. On February 2nd, there are groundhog and other spring predictions traditions. This is stemming from old celebrations of mid-winter as February 1st/2nd is the halfway point. Many traditions for this day is associated with light because we start to feel small signs of it returning at this point. On the evening of the 1st, light a candle to symbolize the sun as a small flicker that will grow. This evening is also a good time to work on journal prompts or write what insights you have received from this season of rest so far.

If you're interested in working with me to create rituals or ceremonies for you or your organization, drop me a line