Winter is for resting. Nature rests, it doesn't find ways to unnecessarily fuss and 'do'. Not that nothing is happening, no, life s l o w l y carries on. Balance is necessary. Winter's rest balances summer's activity. We intelligent beings could take a clue.
Holiday residue keeps me synthetically puttering, anxious, agitated. It takes until mid-January for me shake off the twitchiness, to settle down and match nature's stride. I'm reminded of that moment in California Adventure's Tower of Terror when I float unable to discern gravity while quickly descending. I ride and ride for that suspension experience.
In between the rush of holidays and the onset of spring exists this sweet resting place which reminds me of that free-floating sensation.
The ability to recognize this state of purposeful rest when it's here, that's the gift. Too often I don't look up from my unnatural mid-winter busyness but swat away nature's instinctual offering, a foolish action which leaves me weary instead of invigorated upon spring's first warming invitation.
Hiking in the woods today the gift of acknowledgement found me, and I welcomed it.
To receive the slower pace now is to invest in spring and summer, for rest restores inspiration and energy for the growing seasons ahead. This is the balance.
To stay in step and not upset the balance by rushing forward, to allow rest when society exhorts agitation, ah, that's the trick.
8 comments:
And here I was just telling myself that I needed to accomplish something this winter, rather than just puttering through it.
Then you went and justified my natural winter inclinations. A walk in the woods would definitely help me to sort my thoughts, but I don't feel like wading through waist-deep snow. ;)
Gorgeous pictures, as usual!
Tshs: Waist deep snow would stop me, too. I might go outside for 60 seconds - if I didn't freeze to death - and ponder really really quickly. Ha.
I knew you'd know what I'm talking about. It's not about being lazy, as I am afraid some readers might think I'm was suggesting - not at all. I mean, there's snow to shovel and other tasks that winter brings. For us there's mud to clean up, branches to pick up, gutters to clean out. And the important things continue - meals to prepare, shopping and cleaning, school, jobs, mending and repairing. But there are stretches of time for us to use however we want, and I suggest that we use them to read, or think, or walk, or talk, or take a nap now and then. To rest in our spirits, to get in tune with them rather than shutting them out in a flurry of activity.
Spring, summer, and fall are wonderful - but they are labor intensive for many of us as we maintain our homes and yards, grow and harvest our food, mow our lawns, recreate in the fine weather, and nurture flowers which give back beauty.
Yes, I knew you'd totally get what I was saying. Thanks, Tshs!
Hey I Watched Obama'a Speech! Even An Old Cynic Like Me Was Impressed!
LOL, your quick pondering line reminded me of an experience I had, as a teen, communing with nature in the winter. I should write a post about it. ;)
Tony, well that's something, isn't it! Cynics are impressed - there is a thawing in the world. Heaven knows we need it. ;)
Tshs: Yes, you should. I'll watch for it. ;)
Great post. The pictures are artistic and beautiful. Thank you!
HLITTOMS: Thanks!
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