21. April 2026

Wintering… emerging spring

As I write this we’re moving towards the middle of spring and I've recently finished the book ‘Wintering’, by Katherine May. I'm drawn to this idea. It connects with my appreciation of the seasons, how they all have their value and are part of a wider picture.

“Wintering is a poignant and comforting meditation on the fallow periods of life, times when we must retreat to care for and repair ourselves.” - Katherine May

Winter, the meteorological season, can also be an expression synonymous with a personal period of time in our lives; a period of depression, grief, shame, failure, illness, despair. It can also be a period of retreat, feeling, healing, rejuvenating. It can be an uncertain period before we emerge into ‘Spring’, perhaps restored, with energy for growth, for change.

To accept and value winter is perhaps to accept the slower pace, the lessening of expectations, to be more inward and introspective in activities, listening to your needs - reading, cosy evenings indoors, nourishing yourself… a hibernation of sorts.

To not acknowledge and recognise its value may be to feel compelled to carry on in the same vein regardless of the season, not noticing or not accepting the change, so not adapting to the change in your needs, e.g, not resting in the warm when it’s cold and dark, nor having a period of rest.

Spring follows winter.

Some may find themselves ‘in Winter’ and feel it is easier to stay there, hibernating, finding it hard to emerge - this is where counselling can be useful for some.

What do you feel when you think of winter?

Meteorological spring starts 1st March, ending 31st May, 21st March is the Spring equinox when the day and night of equal length.