December

Minus the Hustle and Bustle

Every year, I make a promise to myself to slow it all down and enjoy the true gifts that this month brings. I don’t always succeed, but I definitely try, and this year, I think I’m doing better than ever.

I am speaking from the perspective of someone who has always lived where there are four distinct seasons, and fall and winter are my favorites.

Being someone with a cold and dry constitution, Ayurveda would highly recommend that I live somewhere warm and humid. No, thank you! That is my least favorite weather.

And so, I’ve learned how to dress in cold, wet weather - Merino wool and alpaca have become my best friends.

Today was one of those days where I could easily have just stayed inside. I have the wood stove lit and live in a cozy little house. It’s a gloomy day by most standards, and I had plenty of chores on my list (that I never write down.)

But a quiet force was calling me this morning, so I strapped on my snow shoes for the first time this season and decided to make my way over to Gone-Away Pond.

The minute I walked past the barn and onto the path where the cute little outhouse sits, my whole body started to tingle with Nature energy.

The gloomy sky that we tend to find depressing cast the loveliest light on the landscape.

Snow was still clinging to the conifers from last night’s snowfall, and it always seems like the trees are showing off their best outfits.

The Balsam Firs, and the Hemlocks wear the snow best.

This little toddler Balsam always seems to hang on to snow for the longest time. I can never pass by her without having a chat.

She looks bigger in the photo. She’s only a couple of feet tall.

The Hemlocks are everywhere in these woods and always seem like a family gathering when it snows.

Further down the path, I saw this little group of saplings, and I stopped and wondered how they would fare through the winter.

Aren’t they precious?

When I reached the Pond, I stood for the longest time on the rocks, gazing across the snowy expanse of almost-frozen water.

I took the photo at the top of this post. It might seem pretty ordinary, but for some reason, I was mesmerized.

I remember thinking how beautiful the colors were—all white and earth tones.

And then the strangest thing happened. I felt myself to be a part of that landscape. It’s hard even to describe. I was standing on the rocks, yet I was a part of the photograph I’d just taken. I was in it.

It was a trance that I didn’t want to break. I stood there, holding my breath, feeling like I was one with that wintery scene.

I wanted so badly to walk across the Pond, but I knew better than to do that alone. I’ve seen “Little Women” too many times. :)

It probably lasted only minutes or seconds, I don’t know. But, boy, what a Nature memory I will carry with me.

On my walk back home, I stopped to visit the giant rocks who, like the trees, take on a certain human-ness after it snows.

Is anyone in there??

December has become so much about Christmas and shopping and shipping and gift-giving and parties and whatever else the holidays bring.

Nothing is wrong if it brings joy and is done without feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and resentful.

And yet, so much about the holidays goes against our Nature. All you have to do is look outside and see how everything is resting. And we are part of Nature.

So, I hope that amid all the hustle and bustle of December, you will remember to take time to rest. Deep sleep is the thing…think of the bears.

I am trying to practice what I’m preaching. I’ve returned to a regular meditation schedule and am going to bed even earlier than usual.

And don’t forget that the greatest, most precious gift of all is right outside our door - Mother Nature.

She is the original anti-depressant.

She is there whether we’re in the city or the country.

I want this month to go slowly. It’s Sagittarius season, and that sign has so much magic. It’s my sun sign, and I’m savoring the bounty of creative energy it brings to all of us.

Have a restful December, my friends.

Much Love,
Barbara

P.S. If you missed my “Potions” post, check it out. My Elderberry Syrup can help keep your immune system humming through all the activities you might find yourself immersed in.

And I only have five bottles left of Pine Infused Jojoba Oil. This potion is for external use only. It’s an amazing healing oil for the skin. It’s also wonderful to rub onto your heart and lungs. The scent alone is healing - in my humble Pine-loving opinion! :)

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Barbara Sinclair
The Quaking Poplar
PO Box 111
North Sandwich, NH 03259-0111