What if winter was a gift to be enjoyed and not just endured?

Winter used to be my least favourite season - it was something I endured between the delights and vibrancy of Autumn and the excitement and freshness of Spring.

I always felt myself resisting the cold, the damp and the lack of colour and light.

This year though, I finally feel like I'm opening myself up to the gifts of winter and instead of resisting, I'm inviting in the calmness, clarity and inner connection it offers.

I'm learning how to embrace and enjoy it, rather than just endure it.

There's something about winter's stripped back leanness that allows me to see things more clearly.

To see myself more clearly.

There's no pretence - winter revels fully what's there. 

Things that were hidden become visible. 

The days are shorter in length and yet paradoxically it feels like I have more time.

More space to think about what's essential, what needs to be nurtured and what's no longer important. 

And as I slow down parts of me start to soften and relax.

It's as if the season itself is willing me to exhale.

To release a breathe I hadn't even realised I'd been holding.

Winter holds space for deep and necessary rest so I can heal what has become frayed over the year and gives room for my inner wisdom to (re)emerge.

So this winter I'm embracing the gifts of the season.

When I feel cold, I'll walk or run wrapped up warm and tight.

When I want comfort, I'll make and eat food that nourishes me from the inside out. 

What I crave light, I'll put candles on.

When I miss people, I'll write letters and cards to feel more connected. 

When I feel isolated, I'll go outside and look up at the stars with awe at the sheer wonder and improbability of it all.

And when I feel tired, I'll allow myself to 'be' rather than 'do'. 

I'll let myself rest.

For it's only when we rest that we can truly heal that we feel whole. 

So, if you knew winter was a gift, how might you start to cherish what this season offers you?