Katherine May, author of *Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times*, shares her journey through personal challenges and the importance of embracing life’s metaphorical winters. She discusses the need for rest and reflection, highlighting how vulnerability fosters growth. The conversation also explores alternative winter solstice celebrations, emphasizing mindfulness and self-care. May advocates for accepting change and processing emotions, urging listeners to find joy and community even in tough times.
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Origins of Wintering
Katherine May discusses the motivation behind her book Wintering.
It stemmed from her own experiences with "wintering" periods and a desire to offer a more compassionate and nuanced approach to self-help.
insights INSIGHT
Defining Wintering
"Wintering" is a metaphorical season of hardship, change, or withdrawal.
It's marked by feelings of isolation and disconnection from the "normal" world.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Solstice Celebration
Leah Smart shares an anecdote about a coaching client who decided to replace Christmas with a solstice celebration.
This highlights a shift towards older traditions and a rejection of the overstimulation of modern holidays.
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Katherine May's "Enchantment" is a captivating exploration of the power of wonder and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. May weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights to illuminate the ways in which enchantment can enrich our lives. The book encourages readers to cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the world around them. It's a thoughtful and inspiring read that reminds us of the magic that exists in everyday life. May's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making this book a pleasure to read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world.
Wintering
The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Katherine May
In 'Wintering', Katherine May shares her personal experiences of coping with illness, career changes, and family challenges, and how she found strength and healing through the concept of 'wintering'. The book draws on lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, highlighting the importance of rest, retreat, and embracing the cyclical nature of life. May discusses various cultural and spiritual practices related to winter, as well as her own experiences with cold-water swimming and other winter activities, to illustrate how winter can be a time of renewal and growth.
The Electricity of Every Living Thing
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Katherine May
Katherine May's "The Electricity of Every Living Thing" is a memoir that intertwines personal reflections on her midlife autism diagnosis with observations of the natural world. May's writing style is introspective and lyrical, exploring themes of sensory experience, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning in everyday life. The book delves into the challenges and joys of living with autism, offering a unique perspective on neurodiversity. Through vivid descriptions of nature walks and personal anecdotes, May invites readers to connect with their own bodies and find solace in the present moment. The book's exploration of self-discovery and acceptance resonates deeply with readers seeking understanding and connection.
Each winter, life slows down. It’s dark and cold, yet the season offers an opportunity for rest. This week’s episode of Everyday Better honors the beginning of winter with Katherine May, author of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.
In Wintering, Katherine shares the story of navigating a personal ‘winter’ – a challenging period of time during which she retreated into herself in order to cope with everything happening around her. Drawing on research about how Northern cultures weather their own harsh winters, Wintering is a balm for weary souls everywhere.
In this episode, Leah and Katherine discuss the art of slowing down and how to embrace the metaphorical seasons we all go through in life.
Everyday Better with Leah Smart 
