The temperatures are already putting me in a bad mood, and even though we’ve only had one snowfall, I’d say I’ve had about enough for the year. It is way too early to be already having blistering temperatures in the middle of November in Indiana. I do have a tendency to suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter – my depression/anxiety is always worse. The lack of light and inability to go outside much (unless you want to freeze) leaves me feeling restless and irritable. But this year I’m going to try my best to change my perspective and flow with nature, instead of against it.
As much as I dislike this time of year, it does remind us that even nature needs time to relax and rest. The forests are still and quiet, blanketed with beautiful snow, with all vegetation asleep until the coming spring. It is a great time for reflection – to be in solitude and think about our lives, our goals, and our destination. As human beings, we all tend to complain about how we never have the time to do anything and constantly feel like we never have time to take a break. But the time of year when nature tells us we can, we tend to ignore it and keep moving, wishing it were spring. You have permission to be still and quiet. If nature needs it, we do too. In our world, stillness is one of the hardest disciplines to practice. Is it any wonder people feel more stressed than ever before?
This year let’s not focus on how cold it is, how miserable the weather is, or count down the number of days until spring. Let’s be still and watch the example of nature – we might even learn a thing or two.
Along the Barren Road 
We all need to slow down and you’re right that nature gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that. I’m not a big winter fan either, but I’ve tried and have discovered the beauty in this season. Standing outside in the calm quiet mornings that only winter can offer, before everyone wakes up. The fresh untouched snow that stretches for as far as the eye can see. The sparkling of that same snow and how it brightens the dark sky of the night. The trees covered in white, but still standing tall and strong. There is so much beauty, as long as I have a thick enough coat on to enjoy it. 🙂
(I have not forgotten by the way. With work, life stuff and my own blog, I just haven’t ‘taken’ the time, but I will do it. You have my word.)
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I agree! Now I just need to build up the desire to bundle up and get out there and enjoy it 🙂 That’s ok. I completely understand.
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[…] are sometimes a way of healing them. You may want to check out my previous post Dealing With Winter – Learning From Nature for a more positive tone […]
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I read both posts and thoroughly enjoyed them. Reflection is a good thing, and being willing to change your perspective is very healthy. A couple of things that might help you with the disorder (these are completely natural, things your body produces anyway) are Sam-E and/or St. Johns Wort. These are available at all pharmacies and most major department stores that carry medicines and herbals. These are available over the counter and simply replace nutrients or chemicals in the body or brain that have become somewhat depleted. Do take them as directed and give them about ten days to take effect, as they need to build up in your system. Taken as directed, they are not harmful. Only with St. Johns Wort, be sure to read the label to make sure you don’t have allergies to anything. Praying for all the people who are being affected by the over-abundance of this year’s white fluff and cold.
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