By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT, Published in The Good Men Project, and Change Becomes You
I, Mother Nature, invite you to embrace the quiet wisdom of winter. This season is not merely a time of dormancy but a crucial period for inner growth and renewal. Just as my trees shed their leaves and my animals retreat to their dens, you, too, must learn to slow down, turn inward, and nurture the seeds of transformation within you. Although I do not need you, I want every living creature to grow more profoundly, understanding who they really are and how we are interconnected. Use my seasons to teach you how to reacquaint yourself with my wisdom.
You’ve strayed far from my rhythms since you first arrived eons ago. Constantly pursuing material possessions and seeking external validation has left you feeling empty and disconnected. However, winter provides a precious opportunity to realign with the natural world and rediscover your true essence.
As my snow blankets the earth, let it remind you of the importance of rest. Just as my soil needs time to replenish its nutrients, your mind and body require periods of stillness to rejuvenate. Embrace the longer nights as an invitation to sleep more deeply, allowing your dreams to guide you toward your authentic path.
My barren trees stand as silent teachers, showing you the beauty of letting go. What beliefs, habits, or relationships no longer serve your growth? Winter is the perfect time to release these burdens, allowing new possibilities to take root come spring.
Observe my animals as they conserve their energy and rely on the stored resources that I provide for them. This is your cue to turn inward and explore your inner landscape. What wisdom lies dormant within you? What passions have you neglected in the rush of daily life? Use this time to reconnect with your core values and aspirations.
I create the frost patterns on your windows and the intricate design of snowflakes. These are there to remind you of the beauty in stillness and attention to detail. Practice mindfulness in your daily activities, savoring the simple pleasures that winter brings — the warmth of a cup of tea, the crunch of snow beneath your feet, the glow of candlelight in the early evening.
As you gather around fires or huddle under blankets, remember the vital importance of community. Winter is a time for storytelling, for sharing wisdom, and for supporting one another through the challenges of the season. Nurture your relationships and create spaces for meaningful connection. Together, we can weather any storm.
My winter solstice marks the gradual return of light. Let this remind you that hope and renewal are always on the horizon, even in the darkest times. Use the increasing daylight to set intentions for the coming year, aligning your goals with the natural cycles of growth and change.
By heeding these lessons, you’ll emerge from winter not depleted but renewed — ready to bloom with the first signs of spring. Remember, my children, that you are not separate from nature but an integral part of it. Your actions, your growth, and your understanding of my wisdom are all part of the intricate web of life. When you align with my rhythms, you tap into a wellspring of wisdom and vitality that no material possession can provide.
Your loving Mother,
Mother Nature
Main Points to Remember:
1. Embrace rest and stillness as essential components of growth.
2. Practice letting go of what no longer serves you.
3. Turn inward to explore your values, wisdom, and passions.
4. Cultivate mindfulness and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
5. Nurture community and meaningful relationships.
6. Set intentions aligned with natural cycles of renewal.
Deborah Holmen, American author and veteran educator, shares her inspirational memoir and guide, “It Takes a Lot of Sh*t to Grow Beautiful Flowers: A Gardener’s Guide to Life,” available now.
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