Wintering

This time of year, I always think about the concept of “wintering.’ Do you do that too? As soon as the daylight recedes, I begin to feel circumspect, and let’s face it, depressed. But the last few years, I’ve tried to consider what it means for our bodies, minds, and spirits as we enter this season of rest. Are we taking the time to honor the longer periods of darkness, the cooler temperatures (for those in the northern hemisphere), and the slower rhythms of daily life? Is the despair we’re feeling really just boredom? And if so, how do we counteract the boredom while still respecting the rest? For more on the subject, I highly recommend Katherine May’s book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. You can find Katherine right here on SubStack where you can subscribe to her newsletter The Clearing.

Another of my favorite wintering resources is found in Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Journal in the 2019 Winter Issue. Two short articles, “A Field Guide to Surviving Winter” and “A Year of Identity: Through the Lens of Nature,” touched me and have remained with me. The issue is available electronically from online retailers like Zinio or check your local library.

In case you’re feeling that boredom-which-is-really-just-a-chance-for-rest, how about a jigsaw puzzle? There is renewed interest in working jigsaw puzzles for mindfulness. I occasionally work them and enjoy them, especially when there’s a group of folks on hand to help. Many artists now allow their works to be sold as jigsaw puzzles. Here are two I really like:

Vanessa Bowman’s Holly & Mistletoe (currently sold out on her website but perhaps available elsewhere)

Andrea Kowch’s Light Keepers (on sale at RJD Gallery)

Here’s a little work I did during the holidays, “Leaf Peepers.” The leaves were found in my yard and eco-dyed on paper, then the image was copied onto very thin cloth. Next I stitched little faces I “found” in the design, a process called intuitive stitching. This has ended up being a test piece for a bigger piece I might do later on. What I learned: the face done in black stitching looks best, I should use a smaller needle and two strands of floss instead of three, I should use heavier background material, and I should definitely use a hoop. Experienced stitchers will be able to tell exactly where I used a hoop and where I didn’t.

And one more thought before I go.

Peace to all!