Wintering and enchantment: A pathway to healing and happiness
Dec 24, 2023
auto_awesome
British author Katherine May explores the concept of wintering as a period of rest and reflection for physical and psychological well-being. The podcast reflects on the parallel between difficult periods in life and the experience of grief, emphasizing the importance of valuing emotional well-being. The chapter discusses the profound lessons about life that can be learned from hibernating animals. The speaker reflects on the sensory landscape and altered consciousness that comes with being in the sea. They discuss the transition from wintering to finding beauty and meaning in the world once again. The podcast explores the feeling of enchantment and its diminishing as we grow older. The speakers reflect on the experience of seeking the green flash at sunset and finding solace in connecting with nature.
Winter is a time for retreat, reflection, and rest, offering healing and solitude for personal growth.
Reclaiming a childlike curiosity and embracing the unknown is essential for personal fulfillment and finding wonder in everyday experiences.
Deep dives
Embracing the Value of Winter
English author Katherine May reflects on the value and importance of winter, comparing it to the gestational period in Celtic culture. She emphasizes that winter is a time for retreat, reflection, and rest, both physically and psychologically. May highlights the healing power of winter and the need to embrace the stillness and solitude it offers, even in an age focused on constant productivity and positivity.
Rediscovering the Wonder of Enchantment
May explores the lost sense of enchantment in adulthood and the societal pressure to dismiss the existence of magic and wonder in the world. She argues that reclaiming a childlike curiosity and embracing the unknown is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. May shares her personal journey of reconnecting with wonder through visits to spiritual sites and engaging with nature, like witnessing the beauty of a Brocken specter and communing with the moon.
The Power of Small Moments
May finds wonder and enchantment in the small moments and everyday experiences. She highlights the importance of finding awe and curiosity in mundane things, such as appreciating the changing moods of the sea, observing the beauty and energy of the moon, and engaging in walks and exploration of one's surroundings. May emphasizes that wonder can be found anywhere, and it is the quality of attention and engagement that matters, not necessarily the grandeur of the experience.
Reconnecting with the Natural World
May emphasizes the significance of connecting with the natural world, both for personal well-being and a sense of wonder. She discusses the hibernation behaviors of animals, such as dormice, and the ability of nature to inspire awe and reflection. May encourages people to appreciate the variations and rhythms of the season and to engage with the energy and beauty of the natural world as a means of rekindling enchantment and wonder.