Wintering: Finding Beauty in the Subtle

Stepping Into a Changed World

After a week confined to bed with the flu, I stepped outside this morning and felt as though I had entered a different world. The vibrant summer hues had faded; yellows and browns now dominated the landscape. The sky was heavy with cloud, dimming the light, and the remaining leaves clung tentatively to the branches, ready to let go.

The Scarlet Surprise

Then, I saw a bush adorned with scarlet berries. Their brilliance stopped me in my tracks. Why did I notice them today? Perhaps because they stood in stark contrast to the muted tones around them. And as I looked closer, I realised the yellows and browns weren’t just dull—they were rich with nuance, layered in countless shades.

The Lesson of Winter

It struck me: sometimes we need to slow down and look more closely. When we do, beauty reveals itself in unexpected places. Maybe that’s what winter—and wintering—is about. It’s a season of retreat, of drawing inward, creating space to notice what we might overlook in busier times.

An Intention for the Season

As the days shorten and the colours fade, I set an intention:

• To notice the subtle hues and appreciate their quiet beauty.

• To recognise small kindnesses—a neighbour’s hello, a friend’s concern.

• To feel gratitude for my body’s resilience, for its ability to heal and carry me forward.

Winter invites us to pause, to savour simplicity, and to cultivate gratitude. In this slowing down, we discover that even in the muted tones of the season, life offers moments of vivid grace.