January

It is the known as the dark month, the cold month, the deprivation month, a month of waiting for something better – for light, for warmth, for abundance…

We are encouraged to give things up, start again, be better, do something new and attempt to resolve all that has gone before.

This month, in our winter’s tale, a tale of reimagining, let us re-write January.

Let us re-frame the resolution narrative – let us give way to re-birth.

So where do we go for inspiration but out into the wild. In these dark days, more than ever, we must make way for light. Carry forth our December glow. Keep the torchbearer close. Take to the woods, the hills, the rivers and the seas and find what nature lies there. It is growing in every space. Underground, as you tread the hardened earth, magic is at work. Within this lull there is a readying for spring to burst forth. A restorative restraint – to allow for new shapes to fully form.

It is still and quiet now, yet the rugged landscapes are changing all the time.

Mountains rear above the earth, bold and majestic, exciting our senses. Hills undulate as smoothly as before, shrouded in mist or basking in winter sun making way for water to flow from river to sea. Night-time still arrives quicker than expected but have you noticed how winter sunsets can be even more beautiful than summer ones? Deep red and orange and purple giving way suddenly to silhouette.

Then roof tops, treetops, hill tops punctuate between earth and sky, shaping our land for all to see from every distance and keeping us engaged in the landscape all the season through.... lest we be tempted to forget.

Take Action: At least once a week, take time to connect with nature.

It may be darker now, but the earth is not dead, and we need not start again. We are in mid-winter, immaculate and invincible. The cycle of life and death repeats, and nature’s transformation and reproduction work hand in hand ready to emerge anew. Birth and rebirth surround us now so go out and explore. Where is life pushing through the cracks? Go out and find it because this time of regeneration is wild and free and ready for us to embrace it.

The weather may be as unpredictable as life continues to be, but nature has a way of providing for the lives unfolding. Hawthorn and Blackthorn offer food and shelter for animals and birds, Field Maple for insects. Hazel Catkins blow from here to there. Seeds are migrating along with the birds.

Growth extends from near and far, so birth and life continue.

Snowdrops huddle in clusters amongst yellow carpets of winter aconites. Winter honey suckle shares its sweet nectar for winter bumble bees.

Cherry, Jasmine, Daphne, Heather – subtle, sweet, smiling, strong.

In streams and rivers, lakes and ponds, winter wildfowl bob and glide. Murmurations of starlings, dive and swoop in unison, dancing in the early evening light mesmerising all who are there to witness. The Robins sing their song all winter long. Visitors from the spirit world, reminding us that the dead live on reborn into nature’s wonders.

Trees may have shed their leaves but skeleton branches against bright skies show us the intricacy of their structure reaching high above us and reminding us of the roots below. In between the branches we may see Roe, Fallow and Muntjac deer still or bounding through the woods. And as the night draws in we may hear Vixens, seeking their mates, howl their unearthly screams.

When all is quiet inland head to the sea. Seaweeds and marine snails linger in rock-pools whilst gulls glide overhead as the tide ebbs and flows. Behold the power of the sea, allowing the smell, the sound, the spray, the sight, the shallows to bring you into peace.

Then return home, be warm. Eat wholesome stews, and drink  warming drinks.

Find time to connect with others and share your journey with them.

Where did you go and what did you find?

Did nature help you to feel free? Free from the burden of resolution and able to fall into the rhythm of the world, just as it is, at this still and quiet time of year.

And as we continue to write our winter’s tale, we can enjoy the re-birth that comes with life’s continuance in mid-winter.  So let us not rush to Love – let us be part of our own rebirth in the spirit of life unfolding. Let us Listen to the grass grow.

And it is this final thought that we will carry with us into February and chapter three of our
Winter’s Tale: Love

Hannah Wallace

I am a teacher at heart, but what that really means is that I am always a learner. I engage in this community because it is full of people open to ideas, people prepared to share their thoughts and beliefs, people who believe in the energy of shared community spaces. I am here to speak, I am here to learn, I am here to be.