Winter: A Time to Chill
Spring brings new life and we bask in the longer, warmer days of summer. Along comes the colorful transformation of autumn, which leads us inevitably to winter. The days get shorter, the weather turns colder, and the landscape seems barren. I often watch the flocks of birds escaping these bleakest months, with envy. How come I have to stay? Why can’t I also flee the bitter winter and return when the sun shines warmly once more?
If I had my choice, I would enjoy my gardens in the spring, play outside in the summer, and admire the many splendid colors of autumn. Then I would skip that next season altogether. Yes, offer me the opportunity to avoid the discomfort of winter, and I should quickly accept.
However, no one ever offers.
There should be, then, no surprise in my admittance that I attempt to employ this same evasion tactic when faced with anything I consider bleak and miserable. Just sit and watch me in a yoga class, when the teacher leads us into bhekasana (frog pose). A drink of water, a trip to the restroom, an unusually long positioning struggle between me, my mat, and anyone around me will most likely ensue. I look to someone, anyone, to rescue me. You’d think the teacher would take pity and invite me to leave.
However, they never offer either.
Which means there is a message here for me – and perhaps you as well. Life is not made up of just warm sunny days, brightly colored rainbows, budding tulips, and warm star-filled nights. We will have our fair share, but there are also storms, fog, scorching hot days, and frigidly cold ones too. And although the beauty is easily revealed in days we relish, we must recognize there is beauty and meaning in all of it. But to find it, we must slow down, be patient and, of course, be present.
And winter is no exception. Winter offers us a time to rest; and within this quiet respite, a time to reflect. Winter invites us to come inside. And though time seems to move more slowly and the world appears to just lie dormant, there is unavoidable growth that can occur beneath the surface. Trees use winter to grow new roots, while animals will use this time to conserve their energy and rest. Spring may bring rejuvenation, but not without the restoration of winter.
Likewise, “frog” can be a challenging, even painful, pose. It demands patience and compassion, and it takes time. And though initially, I feel restricted, in time this powerful stretch can literally, and figuratively widen the boundaries and perhaps broaden my perspective.
Its nineteen degrees outside right now. The wind is howling and I think they are calling for snow. But instead of looking for a way out – I think I’ll find my way in.
Because, one thing I DO know – running away is for the birds.
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