January has always been one of my favorite months. There is something beautiful about the quiet emptiness between the holidays and spring. I love blank calendars and early darkness and soup. So much soup.
But it can be hard of you suffer from seasonal depression or dread the holiday bills coming in the mail.
Let's put January in some context.
Like most gardeners and beekeepers I am all about rhythms, seasons, and cycles. In the natural world, we see time for growth, fullness, waning, and loss, and emptiness.
Our ancestors, who lived closer to and worked with nature, were better equipped in their understanding of the world's natural phase. In our hyper-connected, tech-saturated lives it's all about constant growth and increased numbers whether that's sales or likes on Instagram. We live in a world where loss, pulling back, emptiness, and rest are not only not considered things to be desired but in many cases are demonized.
I have a serious problem with anyone who demonizes rest.
It is in this frame of mind that we meet January. January with its empty squares on the calendar and early darkness. Add to that the real issues of seasonal depression and lack of vitamin D from sunlight and many people are keen for winter to be over as soon as possible.
So what can we do if this is where we find ourselves on long dark nights and days of perpetual gloom?
Let's see January, or winter if you want to think of it in those terms, as a time for God appointed rest and planning. If you have kids at home August through Christmas were probably a mad rush of school supplies, Halloween costume dilemmas, and Christmas craziness. In the spring, all the sports will start along with the monster of standardized testing and the end of the school year. But right now, in the bleak mid-winter, when less is expected, you can take some time for yourself.
Embrace it.
Now is the perfect time to light a candle and plan your summer garden. Schedule a massage or plan a spa night at home. Read that book you meant to get to last year. Write a letter to a friend. Sit quietly and contemplate the outline of a bare tree. Work a puzzle. Watch birds. Imagine hibernating animals cozy in their winter dens. How can you not love winter if you picture a chipmunk asleep amid the pile of acorns she collected last fall? Stay in your pajamas all day on Saturday. Do nothing, without guilt. You are restoring yourself and gathering energy for spring like a tulip bulb.
Most of all, remember, it's a season. The furious rush of spring is coming! Planting, growing, Easter, Mother's Day, long lines at the garden center, sports, weddings, graduations--it's all on the way. So don't discount your restful January or despise your quiet winter.
Accept the gift of time for renewal.
Our bodies and minds are meant to acknowledge seasons, both in nature and in life. If you haven't ever thought about the ebb and flow of life I hope this helps you make it to those first daffodil blossoms!
It's interesting. I was thinking awhile back about winter being a season of slowing down, rest, etc..and I thought...hmmm...to me it just seems like it all just flows together the same as every other day or season. I don't seem to notice it as much, however, I do have to be intentional because I don't like the early darkness and the sun coming out later and around here, less sunny days. I don't do as well with "dark"...not to the extent of being a serious issue or a true seasonal disorder, but I do struggle with it so I try to do what I need to do to remain at peace, joy, etc.I guess I do slow down a bit since once I come home it's dark and most things are done indoors. I also do not like glorifying "busy" and looking down on rest.
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