David GW Therapy

Winter Solstice: A new season is upon us!

I enjoy thinking of phases of life in a way that resonates with nature as we humans are so connected biologically and historically with the land we live on.

In these times living in the city sometimes I forget about the weather and darkness with the ability to stay protected inside; in the warmth and light, but I have been attempting to embrace what winter has to tell me. Life often says regardless of circumstances to “be more productive” but perhaps winter is calling me/us to turn inside, to slow down and to build up what is needed for seasons to come.

Plants have dropped leaves, bears are resting/restoring and their is a sense of survival and resilience. Winter times in life can be scary, community may have left, we can feel alone, life has deconstructed what created security and it can be so anxiety producing. I know I have been there many times and felt my own fragility. But when I let myself realize that I can learn from this season and I can respond in a way of self kindness and self care. I create the medium that when spring comes I am prepared to bring new life. I have not always allowed winter to have it’s growth in me and I avoided the pain, the loss and sorrow but this only caused the suffering to last longer. And again in certain circumstances its literally not safe to let our guard down and that is real.

Its scary and brave to allow winter in with its vulnerability but I hope if you are in a winter season, that you know you have what it takes to make it through. Perhaps that is an active process or perhaps that looks like rest.

Wishing you kindness into this season.