Happy mid February, especially to my neighbors here in Ohio. We certainly have had a “real” winter here this year. Lots of cold, fair amounts of snow… even I have uttered those familiar mid-Febrary words, “Enough, already?!”
Somehow one of the little voices in my head reminded me today that spending time in nature is so nurturing, healing and calming for us. Well, I know that’s true when the weather is beautiful but surely not in February? Well, our mother… mother Nature doesn’t go south for the winter. Her power, her beauty and her wisdom do still abound regardless of the season.
So, we can bundle up and take a brisk walk. But often I find that taking a “gazing break” is also very helpful. Gazing out the window at winter’s wonders is also very comforting. Studying the intricacies of a snowflake or pondering the interesting shapes which have evolved on my patio as a result of pots and rocks and who knows what else got left out there under all the snow. Savor the brilliant colors of birds, stark black branches and brilliant white snow.
Bringing some green indoors is also a lovely solution. I have some new basil which I hope will sprout soon in my south facing studio windows. Or just try spending some more time with those green friends who already might be sharing your indoors.
Art showing nature is also a good solution. I chose an image from Katie Balas’ show at the gallery to share here. Katie told me she chose this color palette to combat her winter doldrums. Heck the article below mentions that just staring at a green rectangle can encourage creativity more than any other color? So I encourage you to enjoy the season, however suits you best. Allow your positive thoughts to lift you up, brighten your day regardless of the season.
Image from Katie Balas, “Forest of Souls”. Katie’s show is at Journey Art Gallery thru March 13, 2014, JourneyArtGallery.com