Using Winter as a Journey in Self Reflection: Frieda L. Ferrick, MFT Grief and Loss Counseling

The long, silent winter is here. the Holidays are upon us and people are running around trying to get ready.  I hope you will try to keep things simple as to keep the stress levels down.                                                                                                                                               Winter is a wonderful time and it can lead to the opportunity to be at home; it can also be a time for self-reflection.  It is a time to stay warm and cozy.  The Stillness of the season implies that there is not too much going on; at least not much is going on that can be seen by the naked eye.  All the work is going on underground.  When spring arrives all the glorious trees, bushes, grasses and colorful flowers that pop out all were evolving during that cold time.

This is the time when we are working internally, doing a lot of thinking and planning and making changes, silently as we go about our business of transformation.

Winter, this time before the spring, is the time to ask questions:

1.  Who Am I?

2.  Am I living the life I am meant to live.

3.  Am I being the best that I can be?

4.  Am I connected in a real way to the people I love?

5.  If I only have a short time left on the earth, can I leave feeling peaceful?

Winter is a perfect time to reflect, to plan, and to get ready for the coming spring.  Some people use meditation as a method of transforming themselves; others use psychotherapy as a method of coming to terms with who they are, and where they want to go in their lives.  Others use exercise as a way of feeling good about themselves.  I would recommend some combination of all of these, so that you are dealing with body, heart and spirit.