Some winters last longer than others, and in some places in the US the winter of 2023 falls into that category. No matter how long the wintery challenges remain with us, our humanity calls us to be there for each other when the outward circumstances affect our health and safety. It is a time when we are called to think beyond ourselves and provide help and support to our friends and loved ones, especially those who are challenged by the difficulties of “Wintering” (regardless of whether it is in a physical or emotional winter).
This concept reminds me of a conversation that I had with my Mother over 30 years ago. We were out to lunch to celebrate her 75th Birthday and I asked the following question, “Mom, what was the best time/ era of your life so far? Without a hesitation she quickly responded “The Great Depression!” Shocked by her answer, my questioning continued as I pursued the reasoning behind this unexpected response. “You see,” she replied, “during the Depression everyone helped each other. For many of us, our economics created a desperate situation and we had no choice but to work together for our survival. Then when our lives got better, I never saw that type of caring ever again.”
I learned a lot from that conversation, and one could say that it helped to shape my “Love for Winter.” Likened to many of the lessons exemplified in the Natural World, my Mother’s story reminded me that our very survival depends upon our interconnectedness. During our times of “Wintering”, the challenges of our outward circumstances present to us many opportunities to care, love, and support each other in ways not necessary during the other Seasons. And so, as the pages of our calendars turn over into Spring,
I am thankful for all of the situations that have allowed me to participate in the love, caring, and connectedness associated with “Wintering.”
Happy Spring!