COLUMN: Ramblings: Winter solstice, resilience, and hope

It is difficult to comprehend that December's darkness is about to descend upon the earth. As I write we are preparing for our Thanksgiving feast. The weather this autumn was strange. Many days the temperature was more like June.

My peppers and tomato plants are still blooming! Many plants were confused this year. Some bloomed early, some bloomed twice. The hummingbirds stayed with us longer than usual.

The feathered visitors from the north are arriving. The trees stand guard like skeletons, void of leaves. The earth will have winter to keep the schedule regardless of humans. Darkness comes earlier each night. The earth will have winter.

The natural world rests during the dark days of winter. It is not dead. Some creatures migrate to warmer climates, some hide deep in the soil, some hibernate in caves or burrows. A few hardy animals and plants relish the cold, snowy days. For most, it is a time to rest, restore, recreate. The ancient cycle continues. Humans could learn from the natural world.

The winter solstice teaches us about balance and hope in the face of darkness. It reminds us that the sun rises again even after the longest night. The return of the sun brings new beginnings and brighter days. This dark time is for resting and reflecting on our own inner light and our place in the continuous cycle of growth and renewal. We can't just stay home all winter to hibernate like a bear. We can make time to reflect on our life, reassess our goals, restore our spirits, rest our bodies and our minds. Prepare for the coming rebirth of the earth.

The darkness of winter has challenged humans since the beginning of time. The winter solstice has long been the reason for celebrations to bring back the light. This year with so many questions and worries about the future of our planet, celebration is needed. Put up those Christmas lights, decorate the tree, gather with friends and family, sing the old carols. The days are short at the Northland celebrate with the food, feasts. The solstice was celebrated with joy, hope, and light by humans us continue those old traditions.

The forest in the winter is a wondrous place. Walking in the forest when the snow falls gently from the sky is an experience that calms the spirit. I am hopeful we all have the opportunity to do that soon.

Lo and behold! I wrote these words yesterday morning before I went to Bloomington for my radiation treatment. Now as I finish, snow is falling from the sky. Not my favorite big fluffy flakes, these are small, wind-driven particles. The dark skeletons of the trees are covered in white. The green grass is disappearing beneath a blanket of white. The tree line by the river has disappeared in a light gray mist. The fallen cornstalks crisscross the snow-covered ground. Several birds are at the feeder beneath the old pine tree. I am glad I filled them up earlier this afternoon.

I will leave you, dear readers, with this old Solstice blessing: May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, That each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, brings faith to your soul and well-being to you.

'til next time,

Annie