I sit in my kitchen looking out at the wintry landscape.   A blanket of snow covers the earth, protecting it from blustery cold air.  Barren trees shift gently in the wind.  The sun hangs low in the sky; its rays readily pass through the glass to brighten the room. 

Nestled inside my home, protected from winter’s elements, I feel cozy and safe.  Even though I still take my daily walk in the woods, I hunker down during this time of the year. 

Like bears who hibernate during winter months, our rhythms similarly slow during this season.  We feel inclined to curl up by the fire and read a book or simply day-dream. 

Winter prods us to take time for reflection, for inner composting and rejuvenation.  If we nourish our deeper selves during winter’s cold months, we emerge in spring feeling rested and renewed, with energy for manifestation. 

Despite these natural inclinations, we often expect ourselves to continue rushing around – doing, doing, doing.  I believe that we pay a price for this behavior.  We deplete our inner energy reserves. 

This winter I intend to align with the energy of winter.  I plan to slow down and retreat inside – inside my home as well as inside myself.  I aim to embrace each moment and be.