This week heralds the winter solstice in North America. It happens on December 22, 2007, and the daytime hours are at a minimum and the night time or darkness is at a maximum. Once we have this winter solstice the daylight hours get a little longer each day. It used to be that I would be negatively impacted by this season leading up to the solstice because I disliked the cold weather and disliked the decrease of sunlight.

Even though this turns around once we have the solstice, the days still seem short and the weather feels even colder. I didn’t want to go out at night, and felt the chill of winter as I complained about the temperature, the darkness and the busyness of an inevitable holiday season, where I was expected to behave in the frenzy of activity that seemed to hit full force in late November. I was often miserable, feeling as though I had to push myself to live in the expectations of the season.

It seemed like this happened to me year after year. I would put on winter weight, feel antisocial, and not be very happy.

As I went through a period of great introspection and personal problem solving, I realized I could control much of my thoughts and feelings by looking at this differently. I learned from one of my mentors, Dr. Deepak Chopra that there was opportunity to go in the flow of the seasons, and not to fight these natural rhythms. As our forefathers did before there was electricity, I cut back on my evening activity, and my social obligations by actually slowing down, as it got dark. I would relish the joy of lighting a fire, eating comfort food, reading a good book, taking a warm bath, and going to bed early. I learned to knit. This was a cozy activity as well, and I could use my projects to keep warm or give as gifts. I actually gave myself permission to slow down.

Now each winter I ask myself, how can I enjoy the season? I have not done something as huge as learning to snow ski, which would be a good indicator of a person who loves the winter season. I do bundle up to shovel the snow my on my walks, and I take the time to enjoy it. I love to savor the quiet that comes with the snow, and the great feeling that heavy exercise gives to me when it is finished.

This winter I plan to spend more time writing to family members, cooking for my parents, and going to bed early. I may also finish that sweater I started a couple years ago that I didn’t finish due to a family emergency.

What seasonal activity can you do to make this the best winter yet?

Warmly,
Lorraine

This entry was posted by Lorraine Calhoun on December 17th, 2007 under Mid-Life with keywords .

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