On Wintering
By Mia Arrington
Winter
The season of intentional rest. It tends to be the least talked about of the four seasons and one in which I hear so many say, “Ugh. I HATE winter.” From the frigid temperatures to the chilly wind. From the sun setting early to the fear of a winter storm arriving and the preparation it takes to ensure there is enough warmth, food and shelter. Then there are many who struggle with seasonal depression around this time due to the lack of time outdoors, familial struggles that are more amplified at this time and more. I hold space for all of this, but may I share another perspective?
There is a tremendous amount of life happening in winter. Now, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Yes, the trees are barren and the grass is muted and rustic. Yes, you mostly see various shades of gray in the sky and brown in the ground. But did you know that the intentional role of resting that winter forces the world to go into is giving space for roots to dig deeper? Did you know that there is just as much life happening in this season as in all the other seasons?
If you know me, you know my obsession with Growing Floret on Magnolia Network. I was introduced to Floret Flowers about a year and a half ago and the impact of this show has taken root and reaffirmed so many thoughts, values and decisions that I have long believed and held onto, but didn’t necessarily have the words to express them. Thank you, Erin. In episode 3 Erin describes the value of winter and how it tends to be the hardest season for a flower grower/farmer. She says, “Everything looks like it’s dead, it’s mostly mud and branches and piles of leaves, but underground there is SO much happening. All the bulbs that we planted out in the fall are putting out roots preparing for Spring. Compost is breaking down, there’s a lot of life happening it’s just under the ground, but up above everything looks like it’s asleep.” She goes on to share that winter is the only quiet window that a farmer has to learn and figure out, “What were the lessons from the last season? How do you want to bring that in to the new year and really what are your goals and dreams going forward?”
It is with this insight that I share perhaps Winter is your most valuable season. Perhaps it is in the sowing and preparation for future seasons to come, that what you put in the soil, to lay to rest is just as valuable or dare I say more important than the harvest to fully come. The compost you put on the soil of your heart (the life-giving, nutrients) will establish and set the environment needed for beauty and growth. Your season of rest not only matters, but is needed for your continued growth and healing.
