Winter thoughts
Winter can be negatively perceived as a time of shutting down, or more positively as a time of rest, consolidation and growth.
In Western seasons, winter months are from June to August. In Indigenous culture this is covered by the seasons of Makuru (June - July) and Djilba (August - September). These seasons usher in the coldest and wettest period of the year, marked by the first rains, frequent gales, and powerful storms. As they progress, they transition into a mix of crisp, clear days and milder stretches of rain and wind. Traditionally, they are also seen as seasons of fertility, conception, and growth.
People, like seasons, have their own cycles of activity and rest, and this reminds us of the importance of finding balance in what we do. Take too much rest, little gets done. While too much work is not sustainable.
In Japanese culture there is a particular value in appreciating nature and the change in seasons. It encourages acceptance of transience and imperfection. This is called Wabi-Sabi and is defined as the 'beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete', that considers the natural state of things in the world. Wabi-Sabi acknowledges three simple realities;
Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.
It also values qualities of nature such as simplicity, tranquillity, and grace. These qualities also suggest virtues of human character and behaviour.
There are five teachings that support this:
- Through acceptance, you find freedom; out of acceptance, you find growth.
- All things in life, including you, are in an imperfect state of flux, so strive not for perfection, but for excellence instead.
- Appreciate the beauty of all things, especially the great beauty that hides beneath the surface and of what can seem to be broken.
- Slow and simple is the best way to feel the joy of what it means to be alive.
- To be content exactly where you are with all that you already have, is to be happy.
So, perhaps these winter months can bring us change and beauty. They may encourage us to rest and consider life. Perhaps inviting us to see none of us is perfect but we each have value and something to offer. To see we are all part of life’s greater cycles, and to find some peace and acceptance of this. To embrace the pleasure within change. To use a quieter season to connect with family and those we love and value. To be more accepting and gentler towards both ourselves and others. To recuperate and re-vitalise in preparation for spring!
Want to know? Get in touch with the MSWA Counselling Team.
