Catherine Beerda-Basso
Reflections
January 31st, 20251/31/2025 It is snowing. Thick, wet flakes, falling to the earth, carried gently by the wind.
This is my favourite. Later I look forward to walking in it, bundled up, excited pup running ahead, back to me and ahead again. (Chances are it will have turned to rain by then, as the temperatures rise.) Whatever may come, for now, I will sit in the early morning darkness, watching as it falls against the glow of the streetlamp, outside of my window, and feel gratitude for the medicine this form of life-giving water brings. Often, during most snow falls, I find myself savouring the memories of childhood, growing up in a mid-northern town, where winter made its presence 6-7 months of the year. It was not always easy, and there was always a relief when the last snow melt disappeared and the bird’s songs, once again, returned. And there was a Joy that could be found during this season. Where I grew up life, and everyone in that life, adjusted to the season, which meant preparations were made and always in place. Moving with such distinct seasons required certain things to happen, and those things happened regardless of when or how the first snow fall decided to come. Preparations were made and adjustments were put in place. And people helped each other. No one did winter alone. Even if they wanted to, they were still checked in on. Winter brought with it a need for community, among other things… As a child, being outside in the snow was part of the adventure. Tobogganing, snowball fights, building snow forts and snowmen, forging trails, and of course eating snow where some favourite past times. I was fortunate to begin skiing at a young age, down hill and cross country; both, an amazing way to spend a day. There is nothing like the quiet of snow gently falling on a mountain side, or the sound of your skies, gliding through fluffy powdered snow, the feeling of sinking into the snow as it forms a natural seat for you, holding you firmly in place as you sip hot chocolate out of a large thermos that exudes a hint of strong coffee with each pour. I now live in an area where snow brings jarring disruption. Most people, just get through. There appears to be minimal planning or anticipation so if and when, winter falls, it causes chaos and annoyance and even dangerous situations. (I am still baffled by those who drive in the snow & ice with summer tires and wonder why they have no traction) I remember when I first moved down to the lower mainland and our school closed due to snow. To be clear, in my eyes, this was a minimal dusting of snow that fell. I remember thinking to myself, this is not even snow!!! And I gladly took the day off from school. Lol Winter offers us a necessary time of slowing down. Western World Productivity Culture does not support the slowing down well, and it is still a necessary aspect of our life rhythm. We have now moved into the time right between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. In the Gaelic/Celtic traditions this time is also known as Imbolc and the ancient celebration of Brigid/Brigit Goddess of the Hearth, Birth/Re-Birth/Healing. She is also known as to goddess of poetry, inspiration and expression, an is The Maiden aspect of the triple goddess. This marks the time when we begin to turn away from Winter and anticipate the arrival of Spring. Historically and still in many cultures this marks the beginning of preparations for the growing season, it marks the time of procreation amongst the herds, and a clearing, cleansing and cleaning out of spaces and places to make room for what is to come. The Light is returning. We can mark this returning with candle or fire, as remember this returning is not only happening around us, but also within…. slowly. The Earth just does not wake up one day. She stirs, she exhales and then inhales again and again, slowly waking up all the parts that have quietly lay, seemingly dormant, under the soil of life and the living. She is like the bear, waking up from hibernation…slowly. For us, humans, it requires mindfulness, as we are pushed to move very quickly in our modern world. So be mindful and know it is ok if it feels challenging, that merely means you are doing it right; you are pushing against an unnatural flow that has way too much airtime, and that can cause struggle! That all being said, this weekend and coming days are a good time to begin to stir, within yourself, what is wanting to grow and what you want to begin to grow, birth or re-birth. What roots within are beginning to stretch and seek nourishment and light? This can be one, this can be many. The invitation is to listen, to allow, to move slowly into this space. Spring does not officially come yet for 7 weeks. In this time, you have a lot of space to move mindfully and with intention. Some of your desires may not take root, honour that and allow what is ready to come. Be curious, be pleasantly surprised. Life is a mystery. It is meant to be that way. I have had to learn again and again that there will be those things I will not be able to prepare for, and those things that I want/desire that will not come to be…yet, or ever. And that is ok, because something else always comes. Maybe quieter, maybe smaller, and always enough. As I finish writing this, the light of the day has fully come to be. The snow has now turned to a light rain, the world is grey and bright and Bear Mountain, which raises on each side of the village, is dusted lightly with snow fall. I might venture out for a walk later; I am not quite sure as I always give myself one day in which to remain cozy and inside and I have not partaken of that ritual yet this week. Hmmmm and now in the light of day I see the garbage and compost bins, put out yesterday, have not been brought in…this I will go out and do. And so it is, on that note, I will leave you, offering you space to ponder your seeds, your roots, your re-birth, and the birth of each moment of each day. Here I remain, winter woman...
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