Wintering
Have you ever heard the term “wintering”? Do you have a vague idea what it means? I like to think of it as part of the growing cycle for humans. A way to rest, recharge, reset and get ready for the next cycle.
Let’s take a look at the typical growing cycle of a perennial plant.
In the spring, the plant puts all its energy into pushing itself through the ground and emerging into the world. As it grows, it develops foliage, spreads upward or outward, and eventually creates flowers. It’s a time of new beginnings.
In the summer, the energy is put toward reproduction and spreading itself out for maximum benefit. Flowers are created, bees are attracted, pollination happens. As the reproduction cycle progresses, seeds are created and dropped for future creation. It’s a time for taking advantage of what nature has to offer.
In the fall, the plant starts to retreat into itself and to store up for the coming seasons. The flowers and foliage die back, the plant starts to recede, and all its energy is used to boost its root system to keep itself alive. It no longer wants to spread itself about. It’s a time to retreat and to stock up for survival.
In the winter, the plant goes dormant. It conserves energy by slowing down as far as it can go. It waits and rests, relying on the reserves that it stored up in previous seasons. This is survival mode. No wonderfully bright warm sun, no creatures to spread its offspring around. It is a time of turning inward and keeping the inner core safe and secure.
People are the same way. Spring is a time for getting out of the house after a brutal winter. A time to get fresh air and start enjoying time with others. Summer is the ultimate in outdoor activity and venturing out on adventures. Vacations, parties, family gatherings – all examples of summer and taking advantage of what nature has to offer. Fall is the wrapping up of things, the last hurrahs of time outdoors and nice weather. That brings us to winter.
I know several people who are not fans of winter. I admit, I never used to be either. I have found with time that I enjoy it more than I used to. I enjoy the slow-down of activity and the comfort of a cozy house when it is cold outside. I also enjoy the introspection and reflection on the past year. It helps me to see where I want to go and what I want to do in the future.
For me, winter is a time of creativity as well. In our business, we refer to winter as “R&D time”. It’s our time for research and development. Things slow-down in the winter. The time after the holidays is perfect to sit down and to start creating. It’s time to look inside and to see what it is we would like to try, that is different or new. It is the time of formulating, trial and error and thinking outside of the box. It is a way of getting our creative juices flowing.
Wintering is this idea. The idea of taking time to rest and recharge, to look inside at what works and what doesn’t, and to reset and redefine what is important. It’s also the idea of nurturing creativity. Rest and relaxation can open the mind to creativity. Winter is the perfect time to explore your creative inklings whether it be painting, ceramics, writing or creating new products for your business.
If you dislike the cold and dreariness of winter, try to think about it in a different way. Everyone needs time to rest and recharge. Take this time to do just that. Embrace the homebody lifestyle. Unplug and enjoy some downtime. Try out that hobby you think you may not be good at. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. If you are not an avid winter outdoors-person (which I am not), just tell people you are wintering, and you will see them in the spring!
~Trisha
