A Winter Nourishment List: Gentle Ways to Embrace the Season
Somewhere mid-January I finally realize it’s winter.
I’m not one for running into the new year with resolutions and goals in hand; I ease into January, as slow and as quiet as I can, shedding the year past and feeling into what will come. I envy the Bear tucked in for the winter in her deep cave, no to-dos in sight, just a long replenishing slumber.
January finds me looking out frosty windows, sipping tea, journaling and making lists. It might not look very productive on the surface but it really is. This pondering and planning time actively nourishes the rest of my year. It’s a skeleton that fills out across the year into a fully formed body of work. It’s my favorite time of year.
I keep a list of what nourishes me through the winter season for days when I need replenishing.
A Nourishing List (in no particular order):
Hand knit alpaca wool socks. (Suri alpaca wool is as soft as silk.)
Staring out the window. Particularly at dusk. The days are short, yes, but watching the light fade into the night is restful.
Tea of all kinds: black, green, herbal. Gently energizing almond matcha and calming chamomile and mint are favorites of mine. I get mine and my local herbal shop (an erboristeria in Italian) but this brand is so good too.
Soup and stews – I am partial to paprika – and every now and then (when I’m feeling brave) a freshly baked tarte tatin.
Photo books. Rest the mind and fill your eyes with beauty. Currently paging through photographer Hilde Mork’s Breeze.
A whisper of piano music in the background. The Goldberg Variations has been on repeat.
Walking. Baby it’s cold outside…. but the cold air is invigorating.
Sheepskin boots. Say what you will but my feet need to be warm.
Hand-dipped beeswax or soy candles.
Watching my cat sleep. How does he manage to relax in a nano-second?
Jojoba, argan or sesame oil to soothe my skin. Sesame is quite warming.
A notebook. Or two. And new inky friends like these Le Pen felt tip markers.
Simple and nourishing pleasures. Have you ever kept a running list of what nourishes you?