The Gifts of the Cold

The winter cold surrounds us and leaks in through the key holes and cracks in the window frames. Embrace the cold and consider its many gifts. Cold has cleansing power and opportunities for renewal. You know the crispness of air so cold that it stings--it brings a sense of raw purity.  

Cold lets you be. When my international students ask me what to do in the winter, I quickly present a list of outdoor activities from skating to snow-shoeing. But in the blessed sub-zero cold, you have to stop much doing and focus on just being. Enjoy the gift of limited choices and quiet periods the cold presents you. 

Cold brings us clarity. We respect the cold. During long periods at home, matters are clearly defined.  Is there enough food for another day? Will the car start? Are the pipes frozen? Should I bring in more wood for the fire? Have I fed the birds and deer who gather around my bird feeder? Do I have a good book and my knitting? Am I wearing wool socks? Beyond these considerations, life waits for spring.

Cold encourages you to seek heat. Consider that deer sleep in the day in a sunny spot and move more at night. Their metabolism slows to maintain heat. So we gather around the fire or find a sun-filled corner to restfully soak in the heat of the sun.

Cold created introverts. The cold of winter requires you to retreat indoors, and the long nights of winter propel you further inward. These long periods with only a family member or two, a pet, or maybe no one for company create the perfect climate for losing yourself in yourself.  Those from northern climes guard their emotions and speech while those from warmer, southern climates effuse about life. The cold shaped those self-sufficient northern personalities who depend on the isolation of the winter to recharge. 

A Russian friend of mine told about her friend who walks no matter the cold temperatures or wind chill. To her, there is no such thing as cold weather—only bad clothes. Similarly, to me, cold brings no hardship--only gifts of peace, clarity and renewal. Embrace the opportunity to hug the fire and your loved ones. Let the rays of the winter sun lull you to sleep in quiet revelry.