Snow on mountaintops and leaves on the ground are the west coast version of winter. Even in our milder climate, creatures and plants conserve energy to thrive come spring. We could benefit from doing the same.
Only in recent years has humanity been able to largely ignore winter’s pause. Unnatural light and central heating in most homes buffer us from the realities that were part of our ancestor’s every day.
The conveniences gained through technology often sacrifice what is for our betterment. One such loss is nature’s invitation to slow down and take stock.
There are cities that market themselves as ones that never sleep and the hum of life in busyness centres is nearly constant. Somewhere along humanity’s path we have lost sight of the off switch, and we find ourselves depleted.
In nature’s sleepy winter, life doesn’t stop all together but instead moves inward and underground. Snakes, frogs and mice burrow below the frost line, conserving energy with less movement. We, too, can feel a natural sluggishness descend as the sun dips below the horizon for longer bouts of time.
Trees bare of leaves rely on energy stores from their more abundant months. Our pantries can hold a similar function, hosting shelves of summer’s bounty.
The depths of winter can be uncomfortable. Lethargy, cold and loneliness are realities. Truth be told, however, being comfortable isn’t usually the place we develop resilience or strength. Allowing the field of our vision to be cleared of constant distraction allows us to set our gaze on what we might otherwise ignore.
This is a time for observing the clutter in our homes, minds and bodies. Constant production is taxing, and its companion, consumption, is as well.
Could this be the moment you finally create a space in your home by simplifying? What is occupying space in your home that could be donated, given to friends, repaired or recycled?
It seems that nature’s laws apply to all of life, including ours. Fasting promotes healing, allowing the body to redirect energy to repair rather than digestion. Letting go of possessions is another type of cleansing.
Before the buzz of spring gets your green thumb twitching, could this be the moment to set up a simple sorting system for your home recycling?
Could an afternoon be spent setting up a kitchen catcher to collect your compost? Can the fridge be emptied of its science experiments and a shelf set aside for food waste prevention – hosting a bin of “eat me first” veggies and leftovers?
At the tail end of winter, we still have time to clear out stagnancy from our homes and lives. Going deeper into the basements of life to rest and prepare for rising strong come spring.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected], call 604.485.2260 (extension 308), or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
