In that koselig tradition we find an important contradiction of winter that’s worth embracing - the indolent punctuated by the kinetic. It’s a combination of coziness and a connection to nature and others. Norwegians - among the happiest people on earth despite living in such extended periods of darkness - have a word that snugly wraps up this winter philosophy: “koselig” (pronounced “koosh-lee”). The warm light of candles has been shown to boost creativity, and staring at fire induces relaxation and lowers blood pressure. Holding a warm beverage, according to one Yale study, promotes feelings of generosity and caring. It’s by the fire, with a book or friends and family, that our life feels richer.
#Left in darkness full
Winter is full of such seasonal treats: hot chocolate, oatmeal, waffles, hot toddies, rummy egg nog, as well as heavy blankets, fuzzy socks and ugly sweaters. It’s the retreat that is so delicious - in the embrace of warmth that dispels cold. More of a dormant incubation period than the end times, winter being a necessary retreat so life can renew itself. Winter only appears to have wiped the slate clean. Yet nature also reminds us that death is cyclical. The weather, spread of flu and Covid-19, dips in mental health, heart attacks while shoveling snow - these are all factors and grim reminders to take added care of ourselves and loved ones right now. Not only are trees and perennials shedding signs of life, but statistically speaking more people die in the winter. The seasonal memento mori (Latin for “Remember you must die”). There’s no sugar frosting it: Winter is the season of death. Second is a renewal - a new year that draws a line in the sands of time that we step over to put the past behind and the future optimistically ahead. And the season itself contains two gifts: First is a retreat, in order to fundamentally restore oneself. ‘Tis also a season of merriment and gift giving. It’s only by two or three minutes - too incremental to notice -and yet brightness is accumulating every day as the season progresses. The astronomical metaphor to keep in mind during these dark and chilling times, is that starting the day after the winter solstice, which this year is December 21, each day gets a bit longer. Winter is as much about going deep, as it is about finding our way back out the other side. But in that dark space where our body, minds and soul retreat this time of year, a light still burns bright.