3 Ways To Nourish Your Spirit This Winter
3 Steps to Make the Most of Winter
As the final snowflakes of winter fall in the northern areas, many of us eagerly await the warmth and renewed energy of spring. Embracing this season as a time of growth and spiritual nourishment, now is the perfect time to ask ourselves, “Am I making the most of winter?”
For most, winter is cold, pristine, fresh, and clear. It is a perfect time for reflection. So get your hot cocoa and pull up a seat by the fire, as we consider how to use this precious time wisely.
Winter is a time to…
1. GROW
Winter is not a state of dormancy—it is a time of active anticipation for the outburst of spring that is to come. As Father Moon, founder of the Unification faith, said about the purpose of the seasons,
“… Although the trees become bare as the leaves and fruit fall, within those fruits exist the seeds of life. When winter passes, after a while the new civilization corresponding to the spring will be born from these scattered seeds. The essential part of the seed is hidden within an outer skin and, regardless of the weather, it never decays. It is stronger than anything else. Until the new day comes, it preserves itself, persevering in silence. Although a seed is a small and worthless being in one sense, within itself it has a powerful life force. No matter how cold a winter suddenly sets in, the seed alone greets the spring. The harsh winter becomes a unique help in strengthening the seed.”
Think of what you can do to become the strong seed, ready to greet the spring with vigor. Tend to your health and nurture your artistic talents. Shed old habits and thoughts to make way for the new. Look inward to where you’ve come in relation to where you’d like to be. What aspects of your daily life are unfruitful? What “vitamins” can you feed your spirit to get back on course?
2. CONNECT
Winter is the perfect season to recharge by deepening your relationships with family and connecting with friends. In most regions, spending quality time in the winter is done in-doors, so why not celebrate the season by gathering your friends and loved ones together to play games, drink hot drinks, and enjoy a savory meal together?
Take a moment to offer your gratitude to the wonderful people in your life. It’s during these times of seeking warmth that we feel most open, comfortable, and inclined to express things we often take for granted: “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I love you.” Use this time to connect with those you love on a deeper level.
3. PLAN
You won’t have as much solitude when the sun is shining and the outdoors is calling your name. Instead of leaping blindly into Spring’s brisk pace, refine your goals now. What will you do with all of the pent up energy once it is set free? Review your new year’s resolutions…how are you doing so far? What is important to you right now? How will you sow your seeds? Now is the perfect time to finalize your road map for the year.
Winter can seem dreary, and spring a dream, but if we learn to live in the present moment, we harness its full power. During this physical time-out, we can find extra time for reflection, build depth in our relationships, and prepare ourselves for the seasons to come. As we eagerly await the new life of spring, now is the perfect time to ask, “Am I making the most of winter?”