Retreat
noun | re-treat | ri-trēt
Defⁿ: An act or process of withdrawing from what is difficult, dangerous or disagreeable.
Now that the frost is here and we have settled into the new season, the sun hats have been swapped out for beanies and sandals for boots. They say Winter is the time to retreat…Be still. Hibernate and reminisce on the fun of Summer. Or do we embrace all the goodness of the colder months?
While our northern friends round out the year with Winter, I like to think it makes for the perfect mid-year pause — an opportunity to slow down, recoup, and rejuvenate the soul and mind before the pace again changes.
Our lives have become so abundant with constant connection and luxuries that ease the Winter chill that it is easy to forget just how much we remain influenced by the changing seasons. We power on. Work just as hard and count the days until those balmy summer days once again appear. In a pursuit to achieve more, do more and get more done, we inevitably try to rush through the colder months, instead of embracing all that Winter is.
Just as nature adapts and adjusts to the slower pace of life, no time but now is ideal to remind ourselves that we too must adjust, shift and alter to the seasons.
I can only imagine that just as it has for me, the past six months have somewhat sped by. Yesterday honoured New Year goals and today we’re readying ourselves for the longest day of the year.
For some, Winter is a season to be hurried; the thought of short days, scarves and plummeting temperatures makes it anything but appealing. For others, the cold nights, crackling fires and bowls of heartwarming soul food can’t come soon enough. I’m always reluctant to farewell Summer — balmy nights, barbeques and beaches — but when those crisp mornings hit and I pull on my favourite pair of boots, the reluctance subsides.
So whether it’s sun or snow you’re chasing this Winter, let go of Summer fun and get ready to explore a Winter’s wonderland with your family…
Mini-Winter Retreats
Play in Puddles
Depending on what part of the world you find yourself, Winter brings with it grey drizzly days that often leaves a trace of puddles in its wake. Pull on the gumboots and wet weather gear, look within to inspire your inner child and get splashing!
Why: Reignite your inner child and reconnect with your little ones. They’ll forever remember the moments with you jumping up and down in puddles!
Winter Wander
There’s plenty to discover in the natural elements at this time of year, so wrap up warm and head outdoors to the beach or bush. Stomp through the leaves, pick up sticks (they make awesome wands, collect sea shells or create a scavenger hunt.
Whatever you choose for your Winter wander, you’re sure to come home all rosy-cheeked and glowing!
Why: Fresh air is good for the soul. Step away from the desk. Turn off the TV. And put down the phone. Live in the moment. Sit and be still in nature, breathe in the crisp air and fill your lungs. Or feed your curiosity with a walk immersed in nature. Teach your children to appreciate all that is around them and practice mindfulness. You’ll sleep better for it.
Cuddling with cocoa
Nothing beats curling up in front of a fire (or heater) with a warm cup of hot chocolate brimming with marshmallows. Time for a little indulgence on a Saturday afternoon.
Why: Leave the guilt outside in the cold. Everyone needs a little sweetness in their life and if it comes in the form of snuggles by the fire with your little ones sharing cups of cocoa, then so be it.
Bird Watch
With clear blue skies and sparkling sunshine, Winter is a beautiful time of year to bird watch and you’re bound to come across a twittering flock of birds gathered around a bush, berries or reserve. Just near the wetlands around from my house, a huge black cloud of starlings often whirl, swoop and whizz through the evening sky in the hour before sunset. It’s quite remarkable and at times there look to be as many as 100+ birds. I often stop by the side of the road with my little one to watch as he points and calls out to the “Bird-ies”. Which feathered friends frequent your neighbourhood?
Why: For perspective and to remind you of the small things in life and just how incredible they can be. It’s this simple occurrence that previously, in my pre-baby days, I would have ignored. But now I’m re-experiencing it through my little boy, reflecting on how easy it is to take the world around us for granted.
While things tend to slow down during Winter, it doesn’t have to come to a complete standstill. These next few months are just what you need, nature says so. But now it’s up to you to decide just how far you want to retreat this season. You can still set aside time to turn inwards and rejuvenate, while also tuning into your family and making the most of the Winter season without burning out before the warmth returns in Spring.
Feature image: Unsplash.com