i often retreat and make room for quiet between Thanksgiving and frankly, the beginning of spring, so the idea of “wintering” deeply resonates with me. introspection, contemplation and self-inquiry are my constant companions.
as a gardener, winter as a time to nurture dreams. in many areas, winter is a time for deciduous trees to go dormant, to rest the fields. i could garden year-round gardening and have lettuce, Asian greens and other cool season vegetables in place, but i let some of my beds rest, plant cover crops and let the soil–and my soul–regenerate for a vibrant spring.
as a gardener, winter as a time to nurture dreams. gardeners are an ultimately optimistic lot, pouring over seeds catalogs, dreaming of our garden’s future this time of year in the northern hemisphere. i attune and deeply listen to my personal seasons, cycles and rhythms: garden, weather, animals, microclimates and other facets of my natural environment and the ecosystems of my life and business. all this to say that our natural rhythm of rest, of dormancy, retreat and recharging matters, is necessary, and a natural part of the web of life.
while i am in my quiet season, here is quote which i find hopeful and hope you will too:
inspired by the theme of nourishing for Athena Village
photo by Todd Trapani on Unsplash