The landscape outside my window changed dramatically over the last few weeks.  Colorfully-robed trees are now naked. Their discarded leaves form an ochre carpet over the land. Once hidden by the tree canopy, the rolling contours of the hills are now visible.

It seems that the energy of life is retracting, pulling in, going fallow...quieting.

I imagine what life was like at this time of year for my ancestors who lived much closer to the land.  The harvest was in. Supplies were stored for the winter. Shelters were battened down in preparation for harsher winter weather.  Activity was more survival oriented; more family-oriented, more inward.

In the 18 years I’ve lived in West Virginia, I’ve experience three times when I was without electric power, due to winter storms, for more than eight days.

During those times, I got a taste of life in earlier times.  My days were busy—there was snow to melt on the wood stove for water to wash in, a fire to be kept burning for heat, food to prepare without the usual appliances.

But there was also more quiet time—time for reading, time for playing board games with kids, time for visiting with family, time for rest.  I slept so much more during those non-electrified times than I usually do!

I’m grateful for the reminder that the approaching winter brings:  the natural rhythm of life allows for, no, depends on, times of a slower, quieter, more contemplative energy.

Here’s to slowing down to the speed of nature!

Add Your Comment

Name:

Email:

URL:

Smileys

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Submit the word you see below: