The Season of Stillness

How I'm Learning to Love Winter

Winter is tough. The days are shorter, the sun is practically on vacation, and the temperatures are colder than I’d like. After the excitement of the holiday season, everything slows down and time indoors increases. Whether you’re mindlessly scrolling on your phone, binge-watching TV, or twiddling your thumbs, it’s easy to feel restless indoors.

As a kid, I had a paper route (I know, it makes me sound ancient!) and I still vividly remember trudging through the snow, lugging my sack of papers from house to house. I’d tell myself to pretend I was in a bubble of warmth. It didn’t always work, but it kept me moving—and my trusty dog trotting happily beside me always made it better.

While a part of me is daydreaming about the sun’s warmth on my skin, the feel of sand or soft grass under my feet, and trees fully in bloom, I am discovering how important it is to fully live in the present moment. It’s fine to dream of spring, summer, or fall, but the reality is that it’s winter —and we won’t be leaving this season for a while. You can dread it (and trust me, I’ve been there), or you can choose to embrace winter’s unique beauty.

The Beauty of Winter Walks

Over the past few years, walking outdoors has become one of my favorite outlets, no matter the season. In Indianapolis, I loved walking downtown, along the Canal Walk, on the Monon Trail and even hiking Eagle Creek a few times. While I don’t mind a treadmill or indoor track, there is something so beautiful about stepping out the door, hitting the walking app on my Apple Watch and taking off. Whether I walk in silence, with friends or with headphones playing music or my latest podcast episode, there is something so special to me about walking.

Lately, I’ve found myself missing my outdoor walks more than usual. This has been one of the coldest winters I can recall in recent years. When snow and ice blanket the sidewalks, or temperatures dip below zero, I head to the gym to get my movement in. But lately, my Midwestern heart has rejoiced at the occasional ‘warm’ days when the temperatures climb into the high 30s and 40s.

Last weekend after leaving the gym, I felt the urge to walk outside. I made my way to Meadwbrook Park in Urbana and enjoy walking the trails and admiring the many sculptures spread throughout.

On these so-called tropical heat wave days (LOL), I’ll bundle up in my warmest clothes, no concern for ‘looking cute,’ just prioritizing layers: warm pants, tops, hoodies, scarves and gloves. That first blast of bitter cold on my face is always jarring, but once my legs start moving, I find myself lost in the meditative rhythm of a winter walk.

I love popping in my headphones and turning on the latest podcast episode or an audiobook I’ve been eager to hear. While walking, whether I’m fully immersed in my audiobook or letting it fade into the background, I naturally tune into my surroundings. There’s the sting of cold on my cheeks, the crunch of snow beneath my shoes, the crispness of winter air and the sight of cute dogs walking by or birds busy gathering twigs for their nest. Stepping outside feels like an invitation to notice and appreciate all the little details you’d otherwise miss. Honestly, I’ll walk by a tree swaying in the wind and catch myself silently admiring its strength.

In this quieter, more introspective season of my life, I’ve noticed that nature continues to call to me. Whether it’s walking the three-mile loop in my parents’ neighborhood, exploring local trails or discovering scenic spots like Homer Lake, Meadowbrook Park or Allerton Park (where my parents got engaged!), I feel a persistent nudge urging me to go. And I must admit, whether I go solo or convince my parents to join, I always return feeling more peaceful and content.

Embracing Winter’s Quiet Gifts

It’s easy to view winter as slow and boring, and I’ve definitely fallen into that mindset before. But for the last few years, something has shifted. In my quest to embrace the present moment, I’ve had to reacquaint myself with each season. Honestly, I’ve come to realize how important each season is, even when I wish I could fast forward to summer. Nature mirrors the cycles of our lives, and we can either tune in or run, kicking and screaming, wishing for our favorite season to come back.

What does winter ask of us? In nature, animals slow down, hibernate, and conserve energy. While work and daily life continue, there are still ways to tap into the energy of the season to find more harmony.

For me, I feel like winter is all about wearing comfy clothes, watching comfort shows and movies (I watched The Sound of Music for the first time—it’s a perfect winter watch!), completing puzzles or playing board games, and of course, curling up with a good book. These pastimes are slow and yet relaxing and full of joy.

Yes, the news cycle can drive anyone insane, and social media can overwhelm the best of us. While we shouldn’t fully cut out the world’s concerns, there is real power in stepping away from the fears and worries of life, and instead, pour into our own cups.

This is what can make winter one of the most rewarding and restful seasons. Laughter, peace, calm, and joy are a balm for the soul. I don’t say this to minimize what’s happening in our lives or the world; I struggle with anxiety myself, but I’ve found that taking care of myself can help improve my mental health and resilience. But the sense of power and comfort I get from taking care of myself improves my mental health, making me a better family member, a more supportive friend, and a kinder person in my community. It’s like the classic advice to put your own face mask on before helping the person next to you on a flight. If you’re not OK, you can’t help anyone else around you.

If you're looking for a little inspiration to make the most of this season, I highly recommend picking up one or both of these books that have been on my To Be Read list for a while: Wintering by Katherine May and The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. Both are filled with insights on embracing winter’s gifts rather than wishing it away. In the end, these books remind us to pause, reflect, and lean into the season, making it not just bearable, but beautiful.

So, whether you’re a winter enthusiast or hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow this weekend, we’ve still got a few months of winter ahead of us. I'll keep bundling up for my lunchtime and weekend walks, and I'll continue to find joy indoors—watching cozy movies, working through my puzzle stack, or simply going to bed early. I hope you find ways to embrace this season, too!