Winter Stillness & Energy Bursts
Winter Stillness & Energy Bursts
What's Under the Surface is Alive
Hello to you, wherever this January finds you: in a rainy place, a sunny place, a snowy, frozen place. Hello to you, whether the first week of 2023 felt promising or exhausting or some human combination of both. Hello to you whether you’re feeling open or shut down. I’m grateful that you’re here.
In last week’s post, I wrote about the idea of winter as a time to slow down. To resist pushing ourselves to be better by some external standards, to notice, instead, what is giving us energy and vigor, rejuvenating us. And to follow that path.
Recently, I had a moment that shook me into awareness of energy that was dormant inside me:
My dog Odin is a Saluki, a desert dog who was rescued from Qatar where he was abandoned. He first met snow two years ago when he landed in Philadelphia, his new home with us. He was hesitant about the feel of snow on his paws.
Last week, when we were visiting my father in the middle part of the state where inches of snow covered the ground, Odin was intrigued. He waited at the back door, watching the white surface expectedly, waiting to be let out.
One particular afternoon, I was caught up in a mix of ruminating, feeling some grief and worrying about my hefty to do list for the early New Year.
I grabbed Odin’s leash and we headed to a nearby park where he danced across the snow. He leapt, he ran, he jumped and holding his leash, I moved in rhythm with him, laughing. (My kiddo captured it here on Odin’s instagram).
That moment of joy with Odin reminded me of the vigor and vitality alive in my body, just underneath the surface.
In winter, trees are dormant—but still alive. The animals that hibernate are resting so that they can return.
When I danced with Odin, I felt lighter—exuberance was buried under my worries, waiting for me to notice it.
Writing Practice:
Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.
In the story that I shared, Odin was my teacher in finding that feeling of rejuvenation.
Think of a moment in your week* when you felt stuck, lost or down and were able to shift or change your energy. What helped you move through your thoughts/feelings? Something physical like taking a walk? A conversation with a trusted friend? A piece of music?
Call to my mind the feeling of your energy changing. Where did this moment take place? When did you notice feeling different? How did you get unstuck?
*If you haven’t had a moment where energy shifted this week, you can go further back in time.
A deepening writing practice for now or later in the week:
More and more, I am shifting my energy when I…
Each week when you write, feel free to share any part of it here for our community OR email me at gabriellekm@gmail.com.
Some ideas for finding that rejuevnating energy (besides hanging out with dogs):
Take a walk at a different time of day or in a different neighborhood;
Listen to my Deep Dive Into Joy playlist;
Go out and gaze at the Wolf moon.
What’s rejuvenating me this week:
Discovering new artists…I love Caitlin Blunnie (whose work focuses on bodily autonomy)
This article on the benefits of awe
Katherine May’s book Wintering
Thank you for being here! Word of mouth is the primary way that I’m growing this community. Inviting friends to join us is golden—I’m grateful!