Embracing the Hidden Depths of Winter: A Review of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
As I picked up Wintering by Katherine May, the title resonated deeply with my current journey. Like May, I find myself in a winter of sorts—navigating the cyclical dance between productivity and retreat. As a teacher, this rhythm often feels out of sync with nature. The demands of my profession catapult me into a whirlwind of tasks from September to late May, leaving little room for the contemplative stillness that a true winter would offer. Katherine May’s exploration of rest as an essential part of life felt like a warm embrace, inviting me to reflect on my own seasonal cycles of collapse and renewal.
May weaves a rich tapestry of themes throughout Wintering, touching on the necessity of rest, the beauty found in solitude, and the importance of embracing our own rhythms. She speaks of winter not merely as a season, but as a metaphor for the times in life when we need to step back, regroup, and nurture our inner selves. Each chapter felt like a personal nod to my own struggles and triumphs, a reminder that retreat doesn’t equate to failure but rather serves as an act of self-preservation.
Her writing flows effortlessly, combining lyrical prose with practical insights, creating a soothing rhythm that encouraged me to savor each page. May’s ability to articulate the often-hidden experience of wintering is profound; it feels intimate, like sharing secrets with a close friend. An especially poignant quote—"Winter is a season that invites me to rest well, when I am allowed to retreat and be quietly separate"—struck a chord within me. It captures what I often yearn for but rarely allow myself: the space to be still and reflect without guilt.
What particularly stood out was May’s reflection on ritual, likening our personal winters to the collective practice of sacred traditions—like attending a St. Lucy’s Day mass or cultivating seasonal habits. As she beautifully illustrates, it’s these rituals that anchor us, grounding us amid chaos. I felt a kinship with her as she described her connection with Michaelmas and St. Crispin’s Day, traditions I, too, observe to stave off the overwhelming tide of busyness during the school year. I resonated with her experience of baking and storytelling, as I once found solace in poetry rituals to welcome back my own self during the winter solstice.
In conclusion, Wintering is a thoughtful companion for anyone feeling the weight of perpetual productivity or grappling with their identity amidst societal demands. It offers not just permission, but an invitation to embrace rest and to honor the seasons of our lives. This book would particularly resonate with educators, caregivers, and anyone who often feels like a task completion machine—like many of us can relate to.
Reading Wintering has been a gentle reminder that, while the demands of life may pull us into a relentless forward motion, there’s beauty in pausing to embrace our own wintering. I felt seen, understood, and ultimately, inspired to lean into the beautiful, albeit uncomfortable, pauses that are an undeniable part of life’s cycle.
Discover more about Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult T… on GoodReads >>