Wintering: How to Embrace Rest, Renewal & Reflection During Life's Dark Seasons

The first heavy snow fell in Colorado last night, transforming my world into a glittering wonderland. As I sit here with my morning tea, watching the sunrise paint the snow-covered peaks in shades of rose gold, I'm reminded of winter's profound invitation – the call to turn inward and embrace what nature has known all along.

I've always been a winter enthusiast. There's something magical about carving fresh tracks through untouched powder, the satisfying crunch of snowshoes on a silent trail, or the simple pleasure of watching snowflakes dance in the glow of streetlights. But my deepest appreciation for winter came during a year when everything in my life seemed to freeze over at once.

That's when I truly learned about wintering.

Wintering isn't just about surviving the cold months – it's about honoring the natural cycles of rest and renewal that exist in every life. Just as bears don't apologize for hibernating, we shouldn't feel guilty for needing periods of retreat and reflection.

I witnessed this truth recently during an intimate gathering with close friends. One of my dearest companions almost didn't join us for our year-end reflection circle. "I'm in the middle of some heavy stuff," she confided. "I don't have it in me to plan or set goals right now." Her hesitation revealed something profound about how we've been conditioned to always be in motion, always pushing forward, even when our spirits are crying out for stillness.

But here's what I've learned: Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is nothing at all.

Whether you're wintering through personal turmoil or simply answering the season's call to slow down, here are some gentle ways to honor this sacred time:

Tips for Mindful Wintering:

1. Create a cozy sanctuary in your home with soft blankets, gentle lighting, and comforting scents

2. Start a winter journal to capture your thoughts, feelings, and dreams without judgment

3. Embrace the early darkness as an invitation for extra rest

4. Practice gentle movement that nurtures rather than challenges your body

5. Allow yourself to say no to social obligations without guilt

6. Set up a morning or evening ritual that helps you connect with your inner wisdom

7. Find beauty in the stark simplicity of winter landscapes

8. Listen to your body's natural rhythm and honor its need for more sleep

9. Nourish yourself with warm, comforting foods

10. Connect with nature, even if just for a few mindful minutes each day

For those experiencing a personal winter during a time of loss or transition, remember this: There is no timeline for grief, no schedule for healing, no deadline for finding your way forward. Just as each snowflake follows its own path to earth, your journey through this season is uniquely yours.

Winter teaches us that darkness isn't empty – it's fertile. It's in these quiet moments, when the world seems to pause, that our deepest wisdom often emerges. Whether you're skiing down mountain slopes or curled up under a blanket with tears streaming down your face, you're exactly where you need to be.

This season, I invite you to release the pressure to constantly produce, achieve, and move forward. Instead, allow yourself to simply be. 

To rest. To reflect. To renew.

After all, every flower that blooms in spring first had to winter in the dark.

Share your wintering experience in the comments below, or reach out if you'd like support in navigating your own season of reflection and renewal.

If you’d like my free Wintering guide; A Gift for Your Winter Journey: Your Guide to Rest, Reflection & Renewal, drop your details below