WINTER'S RHYTHM

John Boswell, American Historian (1947-1994)

Winter is brief in North Carolina.  Maybe that's why I love it.  John Boswell, who I'm quoting, was born in Boston where winter does linger . . . and linger . . . . But not here, not in the Piedmont.  I'm not sure we're even going to have snow this year.  The mountains yes.  The family has already gone skiing.  Unless we're in for a surprise, in my neck of the woods (literally) we won't be tobogganing.  Even so I like the quote: 

"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."

We can still gather pine cones to scent the house, still nurse the plants through the season, still enjoy the fresh air and warm couch, the hearty meals and early nights.  The sun is still setting early.  Winter can be the most soul-enriching time of year, can't it?  A bit of hibernation, a hot bath, a fire.

When I was a kid and put on my grey wool duffel coat the dog knew it was time for an outdoor romp.  She could stay out as long as I could.  

What parts of winter make you feel most alive and present in the moment? The quiet indoor life?  The exuberant outdoor life?  Some people say, don't simply endure winter . . . embrace it.  I'm for that.  Heading outdoors for a healthy walk.  Taking advantage of a bright day.  Today is one of those days.  Temperature around 34⁰F but sun streaming in all the windows.  This morning Mr. Wiggles picked this spot to warm his bones .  See the little fur blob on the rug? 

I'm discovering that winter can be incredibly soothing.  Being in the crisp air, or the drizzly cold air, keeps us in the now and helps relieve stress, doesn't it?  Keeping warm or dry concentrates our attention.  We can't ruminate or indulge those unhelpful thoughts when our goal is keeping that beanie on. Or on a sunny weekend when I'm clearing brush and avoiding tripping on rock outcroppings--any other worry disappears. Cold can clear our minds. 

The trick seems to be to not huddle, not scrunch up.  That's true on city walks as well.  Moving our arms as we walk down the sidewalk, keeping our head up, letting our shoulders drop. People who aren't hunching seem to be having the best time. 

I want to relish these days of fat socks and bulky sweaters.  Here we have too few.