Midsummer is full of light, yet in this fullness, we take our next, gentle steps knowing that from now, the days will gradually begin to shorten. Like it or not, the longest day casts its own shadow.
I don't know whether you've read Horatio Clare's 'The Light in the Dark' but it's one of my absolute favourite books about embracing winter. I recommend it to so many people - being a bookseller, that's quite a few!
I used to struggle with the darkness of winter and always long for summer but these days I have learnt to embrace and enjoy each season as it comes and all varieties of weather. I have learnt to live in the moment, rather than always looking ahead to the next thing. I love the little changes through the year, including the gradual shortening of the days, earlier sunsets, autumn leaves, bare trees, starry nights. I spend a lot of time outdoors, relishing the light and warmth and openness of summer but also delight of early dusk, owls calling, frosty morning. The thing I still struggle with are dark days of relentless rain at any time of year!
I never used to dread winter but I found last winter really difficult to cope with so I am already dreading it. Not being one for the heat, I am excited about autumn but I struggle with the darkness so much more than I used to. I love the idea of preparing now to keep the warmth and light in darker seasons. Beautiful, as ever. ☺️
A lot of us feel the same, I think more so after last winter. I’m not sure I fully know the answer, but I am sensing the need for a different approach this year ✨
Thank you for writing your truth here David. I deeply recognise that feeling of apprehension when the longest day has passed, but this year I am taking comfort in that the solstice also marks the beginning of summer astronomically and that there is still more light than dark until the autumn equinox which is a way off. Also as I get older, I am finding myself softening to winter and this year perhaps even feeling a touch of relief to know that the light will gradually lower from now. Thank you for your words, I agree it is wise to prepare for the seasonal shifts as they really affect us so greatly day to day xx
I really appreciate how you’ve put this into words, David. Especially ‘that distant pang of anxiety as we sit quietly with the realisation that the light is already retreating’ - exactly right 🙏
I always think of preserving food as carrying the summer into winter. Maybe our written and stored memories of the light can carry us through the darkness as well. Lovely words!
"Would it be so wrong for us to begin our winter preparations whilst still soaking in summer"? is a thought provoking question. A question I hadn't considered before but in some ways we already do begin preparing, in the preserving of fruits harvested throughout the summer months and in seed collecting.
I always hated winter David, I used to feel such panic when we reached the longest day, it was sometimes unbearable. But, with age (I’m 47 next month) has come acceptance.
I do the rituals I know that will get me through it and take joy in some of the things it brings- like woolly jumpers, skeletal trees and candles. I sometimes think acceptance can only come with time.
I felt this so much. I always struggle in winter, and despite last winter possibly being the one I’ve been most present in, I still longed for the light and warmth.
Even though the solstice has passed, I’m trying to remind myself that we still have a couple of beautiful summer months ahead to relish in.
I don't know whether you've read Horatio Clare's 'The Light in the Dark' but it's one of my absolute favourite books about embracing winter. I recommend it to so many people - being a bookseller, that's quite a few!
Ooh no, thank you for the recommendation 🌿
I used to struggle with the darkness of winter and always long for summer but these days I have learnt to embrace and enjoy each season as it comes and all varieties of weather. I have learnt to live in the moment, rather than always looking ahead to the next thing. I love the little changes through the year, including the gradual shortening of the days, earlier sunsets, autumn leaves, bare trees, starry nights. I spend a lot of time outdoors, relishing the light and warmth and openness of summer but also delight of early dusk, owls calling, frosty morning. The thing I still struggle with are dark days of relentless rain at any time of year!
I never used to dread winter but I found last winter really difficult to cope with so I am already dreading it. Not being one for the heat, I am excited about autumn but I struggle with the darkness so much more than I used to. I love the idea of preparing now to keep the warmth and light in darker seasons. Beautiful, as ever. ☺️
A lot of us feel the same, I think more so after last winter. I’m not sure I fully know the answer, but I am sensing the need for a different approach this year ✨
I think it’s super comforting that so many of us feel the same. Strength in numbers, solidarity and support! 😁
That was my intention really, because I sensed I wasn’t the only one feeling it ✨
Very well written, onwards and upwards we will all face and meet the challenge 💕
Thank you for writing your truth here David. I deeply recognise that feeling of apprehension when the longest day has passed, but this year I am taking comfort in that the solstice also marks the beginning of summer astronomically and that there is still more light than dark until the autumn equinox which is a way off. Also as I get older, I am finding myself softening to winter and this year perhaps even feeling a touch of relief to know that the light will gradually lower from now. Thank you for your words, I agree it is wise to prepare for the seasonal shifts as they really affect us so greatly day to day xx
Thank you for reading 🙏✨
I really appreciate how you’ve put this into words, David. Especially ‘that distant pang of anxiety as we sit quietly with the realisation that the light is already retreating’ - exactly right 🙏
Thank you 🙏✨
Such reflective writing and I love the journal on your website David - thank you 🌿
Thank you so much 🙏🌿
I always think of preserving food as carrying the summer into winter. Maybe our written and stored memories of the light can carry us through the darkness as well. Lovely words!
Thank you 🙏🌿 Yes, somehow we really can bottle the sunshine ✨
A beautiful read as always David - I always struggle in winter and your words really resonate and have brought me insightful reflections, thank you
Thank you so much for reading 🙏🌿
This was lovely, David 💫
Thank you so much 🙏🌿
This is beautiful David.
"Would it be so wrong for us to begin our winter preparations whilst still soaking in summer"? is a thought provoking question. A question I hadn't considered before but in some ways we already do begin preparing, in the preserving of fruits harvested throughout the summer months and in seed collecting.
Thank you for a lovely read 🙏😊
Definitely! Thank you for reading 🙏✨
I always hated winter David, I used to feel such panic when we reached the longest day, it was sometimes unbearable. But, with age (I’m 47 next month) has come acceptance.
I do the rituals I know that will get me through it and take joy in some of the things it brings- like woolly jumpers, skeletal trees and candles. I sometimes think acceptance can only come with time.
I think there’s huge power in acceptance ✨
I felt this so much. I always struggle in winter, and despite last winter possibly being the one I’ve been most present in, I still longed for the light and warmth.
Even though the solstice has passed, I’m trying to remind myself that we still have a couple of beautiful summer months ahead to relish in.
Thank you for the lovely read David.
Thank you for reading 🙏✨