Winter Depths

Winter, the depths, the dark, the cold, the quiet. Countless reasons this season beckons to me.

I have grown up in New England, and with time have realized that the four distinct seasons are part of the song in my heart. I walk differently in Summer than I do in Winter. I sleep differently, eat differently, and my mind wanders in a different way. I embrace each season and the change it brings to my life, while working to stay grounded, with a deep sense of place.

Winter feels familiar and wonderous. I pull out last Winter's tucked away projects, I sit, read for what feels like hours, I tend the fire, and spend the day with coffee or tea always in hand. Winter gives me the nod to move slowly, to care for parts of myself that may burn out in other times of the year. Winter encourages nourshiment and rest, solitude and quiet. This time then yields a preparation of sorts, of what's to come. The mad dash of Spring, the abundance and gathering nature of Summer, the bounty and buttoning up of Fall.

I often wonder how one manages to live in a place without seasons. How could I possibly tend to all the parts of life I love, how could I honor rest and rebirth? There is immense joy in the change of temperature, in viewing your favorite tree both with and without her Summer garb, in watching the pond freeze and then thaw, in dancing in green fields and skiing in snow-covered ones. I've often have a hard time deciding which season I adore the most, and then each season rolls around, and it is decided for me. I am encouraged by mother nature to be present, to be cyclical, and to enjoy the connectedness of what currently is.

To nourish you in this time, make a delicious broth.

I often start with a chicken carcass, some roasted beef or pork bones, always local.

Covered with water and placed on the wood stove or stovetop to simmer.

Additions I often include:

Mushrooms: Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake (immune support)

Onion peels, celery and carrots ends (Yum!)

Astragalus (immune support)

Nettles (additional minerals)

Local Apple Cider Vinegar (helps extract minerals from the chicken/beef/pork bones)

Seaweeds: Dulse or local Atlantic Wakame (iodine and other minerals)

Dandelion Root and/or Burdock Root (liver support)

Oat tops or Oat Straw (nervous system support, additional minerals)

Peppercorns / Sea Salt

Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Fennel, Bay leaves (Yum!) 
  

May you be nourished, move slowly, sleep longer, and fall in love with the beauty of Winter as much as I have!

With gratitude,

Nicole