My little tree is up, the warm lights are twinkling. They are the only lights on in the house as dusk arrives this afternoon. There is a quiet calm in my home, little pitter-patterings of feet are about and a dog snoozing at my feet. Other than that there is no noise. Outside I can see the outline of the trees where they meet the shore. The cow, sheep, and chickens have already retired to their beds, and though maybe not asleep, they are having their own moment of quiet.

This is how the autumn and winter months are naturally. Quiet, slow, and getting darker, giving the world a rest from the busy year of growth and harvest. As I take this moment of quiet for myself, I am well aware of the opposition to society’s norms during this season.

Rest and quiet are so important for us. Yet most of us find ourselves incapable of doing so. We need the time to recuperate from the daily stressors of life, and yes, it takes these seasons to do it. We are part of nature and have been created to live within it. I invite you to take moments for yourself, to change some of the words and ideas that we are used to associating with this time of year; like dark and depressing to quiet, relaxing, rejuvenating and belonging to nature. I also invite you to actually make time to relax. Light a candle, make yourself tea, linger on quiet moments as long as possible, and do what feeds your soul.

This afternoon, I just sat and took a few breaths and took a moment “to be” a part of my home its surroundings, with my animals and nature. I am a part of this, I have the ability to stop and enjoy all that it entails. Please, allow yourself to become a part of your blessings. This is also the spirit of the season.

All My Best,

Dr. Nicole