Winter is the season where the weather turns cold. Depending on where you live winter can bring in snow and sub-zero temperatures. Wintering is considered a dark season that is gloomy and likely to cause increase in cold-related illnesses. This makes many people despise this season. Winter can be compared to a low phase in our lives. Instead of despising winter, what if we embraced it? This is the concept of wintering.
The concept of wintering
Wintering is a cold phase that refers to the winter season as well as the negative phase in our lives. Animals survive the winter by hibernating or using other methods. Wintering is thus a tough phase that cyclically appears in our lives challenging us to be positive.
Learning from winter and allowing it in.
Animals recognise winter and are prepared for it. They collect food and build reserves to prepare for the months when they are not able to go out and get food. In the same way, we can gear up for challenges to be prepared. We need to look for signs of winter. The winter here is not the weather but signs of stress, tension, and difficult times. When we are aware that we are about to enter a low phase, we can be prepared for it. Instead of resisting, we need to embrace it.
When we are ill or in pain, we go to a doctor. Similarly, when we are in a dark phase, we need support. Friends and family are the first line of support. Then there are spiritual advisors who can help us tide over tough times. They can guide us on how to toughen up mentally so that we can take on challenges.
Wintering, just like the season is cyclical. It can come in our lives at any time. We need to be prepared for it by accepting it. This will help us take on difficulties with a positive attitude. Wintering is definitely not a sign of failure. It does not mean we have lost but is a difficult phase that we need to weather.
When everything looks dark, it is an indicator that the light will be upon us soon. We need to accept this phase and be adept enough to go back towards the light. Look for the small pleasures in life and enjoy them even during difficult times. This will help us avoiding breaking down and be stronger.