The invitation between…
The time between….Hanukkah’s start on 12/14, Christmas on 12/25, Kwanza on 12/26, and New Year’s on January 1st. The trend to “start off the new year strong” with goals a’blazing, a freshly dusted gym membership, and the “new year, new me” mindset feel, well, old school and outdated.
As I gaze out my window at the warm sun, I know that if I step outside, the cold wind will bite (yes, even here in Texas). Perhaps having lived in the south for so long, I think I am immune to the signals of an approaching winter that nature offers every single year (let’s be honest, the leaves barely started turning until mid-December!)
Yet, after many moons and trips around the sun, I began to notice that the earth continues to offer me these signals - generously. Indigenous people have responded to these signals of earth and the surrounding universe for generations and I find myself drawn to the non-linear invitation to BE where I am.
Winter invites me to slow down. To turn inward. To reflect. To pause. To notice. To rest. And it is just that - an invitation. It does not force me, or manipulate me. It invites me to softer. To breath. To kindness.
It does not force me, or manipulate me. It invites me to softer.
In January of this year, due to health challenges, I could barely walk and found myself in a wheelchair for a time. Dependent on others. It was painful and very unfair. I was angry, and struck with grief. A small group of people supported me in processing that season, and held space for the strong feelings. In time, I was able to thank my body for generously asking me to listen and care for myself. And damnit, I had no choice but to listen.
So now, I am more intentional to listen. I feel gratitude in the midst of much terror and disappointment in our current world. I wrestle to hold both of these postures, while they seem to contradict one another.
In similar ways, I invite you to softness. If you feel anger, loss, fear, sadness, disappointment - you are not alone. And, there is goodness to discover, in time. Not cheap silver-lining that falls flat. But real goodness. There is no rush to find it.
There is no rush to find it.
If you needed permission, here it is - to turn inward and notice. Journal. Find yourself in child’s pose on the floor. Check out a book of poems from your local library. Tune into classical music (or rock to something harder!) Trim that plant, or throw it out and start over. Take a nap. Notice your breath and feet on the floor.
It is a high honor to journey with you. Like many others, you may not see flower buds or fruit on the tree just yet. It may be time to look down at the roots and notice how deep they go….they have gotten you this far. Let’s keep going, even if your definition of goodness and success changes this year.
Keep going…even if your definition of goodness and success changes this year.
Thank you for your trust, and for showing kindness to your heart, mind, and body. Happy time in between. :)
Art credit: Britchida