Winter heals
Haanja Upland seen from Suur Munamägi, the highest peak in Estonia.
Vaido Otsar, via Wikimedia Commons
“There’s relief in not having to be outside. No gardening, no mowing the lawn, no tyranny of long daylight hours to fill with productive activity. We rip through summer, burning the hours and tearing up the land. Then snow comes like a bandage, and winter heals the wounds.” ― Jerry Dennis
I don’t know whether it’s my imagination, or just wishful thinking, but I think I’ve experienced significant healing this winter. And I have to agree with Dennis– it seems to be at least partly related to the weather.
The last time we had a snowstorm here was just over three years ago, and my sister and her husband were visiting. Their return home was delayed, and there were all the usual hassles with transportation and cancelled flights. But also there was that excitement at the beauty snow brings, and as it softly yet furiously continued, the wonder at how very MUCH of it there was.
You’d think the memory of that last snowfall would have made the weather more emotionally difficult this year. And there was that pang of absence that is so familiar to anyone who has lost someone dear. But this year, the snow truly has felt like a bandage, covering my hurt and ordering me to be still and cease the endless drive to get things done. I have taken solace, as always, in tea, books, school, correspondence and spending time with Matthew. But this year, all these things had a feeling of special benediction, a willful slowing down and acceptance that this chapter in my life will bring new and different rhythms that will be exactly what I need right now.
People of faith– and I count myself among them– see Divine wisdom in the cycle of the seasons that seem, despite occasional inconvenience and even hazard, to be uniquely suitable for the regulation of human activity that sometimes goes too far, too fast.
So I’m taking the return to regular activity more slowly than usual. There’s still lots of snow on the ground, but I’m able to safely take my walks each day. And next week promises warming temperatures that will at least climb high enough above freezing to eliminate that last bit of ice on the sidewalks. The days grow gradually longer, and springtime calls me. I’ll answer gladly– but perhaps I’ll take a wistful glance back over my shoulder at the cozy psychological cocoon in which I’ve so happily spent the past few weeks.
How about you? Are you enjoying the winter? Remember, our Club Verandah is open all year, and Sheila and I never run out of hot beverages and conversation. Sit a spell and take your shoes off – we’ll leave the verandah to the critters and stay by the fireside looking out through the windows. If you forgot your slippers, no worries– we keep fluffy warm footies on hand.
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- Tagged: beauty, bereavement, contemplation, cycles of life, healing, inviting, loss, memories, mindfulness, nature, optimism, seasons, slowing down, snowfall, winter
Defeat Despair 
Hi Julia,
Glad this winter season is helping the healing. I like the quote. And even without the snow, the winter season seems to be a more relaxed period. Nature slows down, and the need to be outdoors diminishes. I suppose it is a time for healing, or rejuvenating one’s spirit.
Along the Gulf Coast, we rarely see snow. However, this past week was one for the record books, literally. The accumulation record in Pensacola, FL was 3”, set in 1895! We had 7 inches accumulation overnight last Tuesday! Life as we know it here ground to a complete halt for two days! It was fascinating! I’ll email you a couple pictures.
Continue to take solace, recharge, and enjoy the moments.
Chris, that is truly AMAZING, and I loved the beautiful photos! I hope this snowfall has made you and Jeanne doubly grateful for the BLESSING of living on the Gulf Coast! I suppose that having a brief once-in-a-lifetime experience of a heavy snowfall was a bit like taking a vacation to somewhere else. I know that recent circumstances have made it hard for you to travel, so perhaps this was a case of the trip coming to you!
You know, I hadn’t thought about it like that. But that’s plausible! Although brief, the ‘vacation’ came to us! 😃. Blessings to you and Matt! 🙏
Chris, let’s hope your next “staycation” is of the early springtime variety! 🙂
Our Verandah had snow, the palm trees had snow, the bird feeders, the squirrel feeder, (we take care of so many critters) and everything stopped moving here. It’s the SOUTH you know, and we’re not equipped! It’s been so beautiful to enjoy as a rarity and the slow melt! Thank you for loving our Club and extending the invitation! Hugs cross the miles to you, to Matt! ❄️🤍
Good morning, Sheila. The Verandah is still too cold to sit out there for very long, but it’s warmer than it was! I’m sipping a mug of Brodie’s Famous Edinburgh tea as I write this. I wish Walter was here to tell “Juia” all about the snow – I imagine he would have found it exciting! In the South we may not be equipped for snow but we do know how to love our critters, indoors and outdoors. Snow on Palm Trees…now THAT’S something to imagine! Thanks for checking in via the comments section. This morning brings us a new Verandah and the colors are stunning! Thanks for transporting me there!
Good Saturday morning as we welcome the month with another beautiful porch, our beloved Club Verandah. We have a couple critters in the form of cats that have taken a liking to our porch, Squinty Winnie and Barbara Bushy. Bill is sure that Jack sent them to fill the void when he was no longer here! I hope you have a delightful weekend. Hi to Matt!
Good morning, Sheila! Kitty cats are ALWAYS welcome at Club Verandah, where the unofficial motto is “we love our critters.” I hope Jack knows how pleased we are. Springtime will be here soon! Meanwhile the kettle is always on…