Bracing for Winter

Winter Solstice is coming. Anyone who lives in a rural area, or has a lifestyle that is closely connected with nature, knows that it is time to prepare. Just like the squirrels who store their food this time of year, us humans are collecting wood for stoves, putting away lawn furniture, boats, docks, raking up leaves, clearing water conduits to keep water flowing in the right direction before everything freezes and getting emergency supplies, like propane and batteries, in case of power outages. Some have already preserved any bounty harvested from their gardens, that was spared by the deer. For all of us, it means car maintenance, winter tires and blocking up any drafts in the house that you did not get around to in the summer months.

The days have shortened significantly and by suppertime, it is already dark. It is a time of tension wondering how much time we have left to get all the chores done, before winter begins in earnest. Ticking off the list of to-dos and the desire and go to bed early are competition with one another as we turn into amateur meteorologists, reading the signs in the sky, watching the changes in wind direction and noticing how the water in the lake begins to look like liquid mercury. Monitoring the outdoor thermometer is a must as zero Celsius, reminds us about that thin layer of ice that can form on decks and stairs. This sends us to the local hardware store for more sand before there is a run on and it is all gone. Then when the inventory of winter clothes is complete, washed and ready, it is time to hurry up and wait.

Habits change at this time of year by going to bed earlier, sleeping longer and being less active. This is perfectly OK, in keeping with the seasons, according to the sages of old who practised traditional medicine. Winter is the time of water and correlates to the kidneys and bladder. The emotion is fear so it is good to avoid the worry and anxiety from doom-dom on social media. It is a perfect time for stillness externally and inwardly by reflecting on what has happened in the past year and dreaming about plans for spring. As we anticipate the big snow that is forecast for this year, it is good to be mindful of one's body temperature. When the mind gets overly occupied, check in to make sure that your feet, neck and back, are warm enough to prevent getting stiff from inactivity and chill. Then having braced for everything to come, weather wise, you can turn your mind to the impending joy of the Christmas Season.