January 15, 2011

Halfway Through...

Reaching mid January, we have reached midwinter. Surprisingly, it has arrived much faster than I have anticipated.

Our December was unusually white and sunny, thus there has been an overall lack of grey, drizzly and dark twilight days, that are so common at my latitudes.

Even though currently the snow is slowly melting away - compliments of our first serious winter thaw - the initial weeks of this month have passed with unprecedented speed.

Winter holds very little of my affection. However, recently my mindset has reached an altered state, where every season has grown to encompass a novel meaning in my eyes. To my surprise, there has been a total absence of the depression that I usually feel around this time of the year. Maybe I have instinctively realized a purpose to everything that nature - and our destiny - undertakes and my perception seems to be in tune with it's master plan, bringing a certain peace into my whole being. A true happiness and content that has been lacking in my days for a long time...

Midwinter is palpable everywhere and to me it symbolizes a continuous time of rest and stillness, just like at the onset of this cold season. Nevertheless, very gently and in a very subtle way, I can also sense notions of anticipation. A suggestive awareness lying beneath the stillness, a renewal process taking place, as nature prepares to commence yet another cycle of life and growth.

30 comments:

Elizabeth said...

The sun is shining again today, so let's go outside and enjoy the light.

Sophia's Lover said...

You arise beauteous in the horizon of the heavens
Oh living Aten who creates life.
When you shine forth in the Eastern horizon you fill every land with your beauty.
You are so beautiful: you are great; gleaming and high over every land.
Your rays embrace the lands and all you have created;
You are Re and reach out to all your creations, and hold them for your beloved Son.
You are afar, but your rays touch the earth;
Men see you, but know not your ways.

...thanks...sweet Lady!

Arti said...

Beautiful post... Every season does have its own beauty, its own charm!!
What a beautiful collage, loved every bit of it!
Have a nice day:)

Ines said...

A really wonderful collage of winter impressions, Dear-

I can imagine, that this long winter is bad for the mood- I really hate snow- in the moment we have sun and I am happy, that those long weeks with snow are over and I hope,they stay away- so I hope the same for you.

Hear good music- and make thinks, feeling you good...

a wonderful weekend-

hugs, Ines♥

Brian Miller said...

it is supposed to get up into the 40s today...yay! oh i am so ready for spring....lovely pics my friend...

Anonymous said...

Zuzana
Winter is hopefully flying by! Yeah... January is half gone and the sun is beginning to shine a little longer each day. Let's promise to live each day with sunshine in our hearts and wait for that first fresh sprout of new life. Have a great weekend, my friend.
:) Lord Thomas of Wellngton

adrielleroyale said...

What a blessing to have surmounted your annual depression! We are still very much in the deep freeze of winter here in Minnesota where the only colors available for the searching eyes are whites, blues, grays, browns and tans. Slowly though, with a persistence mustered from somewhere unknown, I am finding beauty in it. You are one of the few who have helped me to do so! Beautiful pictures and words as always my friend :)

Laura said...

deep wisdom here my friend...learning to accept and be present to the rhythm of the seasons instead of struggling against them.

Unknown said...

here in Michigan we just got hit with a big snow storm. up until now we had very little snow, 15" below average for this time of year. very blustery out right now. I am staying inside today!!

steviewren said...

Our recent snow/ice pack is slowing melting away. Yesterday, as I paused before climbing the steps to my front porch, I noticed 1/2 inch narcissus shoots poking their heads up from the ground. Spring is my favorite time of the year. Everything is fresh and new. And my yard is always pretty in the Spring.

I'm glad to hear that the winter doldrums haven't gotten you down this year. Bravo for bright sunny days!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

"...every season has grown to encompass a novel meaning in my eyes."

This view, is what I try for. To concentrate on whatever season I happen to be in. Even though I do prefer some to others...

But may I wonder, if your new found happiness/contentment, is in some way due to "the someone new"? :-)

Hugs & ♥'s...
'Cause Valentine Day is coming!

Myrna R. said...

Lovely photos and it's nice that you are harmonizing with the seasons. For me - I think I'd still have a difficult time with that much snow.

Betsy Brock said...

I have to admit I'm one of the rare people who love winter. But I don't have to leave the house every day and contend with the cold. It's much more enjoyable to stay in my little home and enjoy the snow from the window! The Mister has a bit of that emotional low that comes with the cold and lack of daylight. He loves spring and summer. I'm glad you're enjoying it a bit more this time! And I can't believe it's half way through! Wow! Before long we'll be seeing the crocus peaking through the ground!

Nessa said...

I think I am learning the acceptance you mention. Tuning into nature's cycles can teach us so much and add to our physical, mental and spiritual health. Winter reminds us to rest and rebuild our energy.

Anonymous said...

I agree - this winter has passed very quickly! With early snows over here in October, it's been white and light for ages!

I love your magical winter photos.

Dulçe ♥ said...

I believe that for us to enjoy the summer and spring completely we must have enoyed the winter...

I am glad you do not get drepressed any more because of it and instead accept it... I don't think I could... but sometimes i miss a bit (only) of that lots of snow you have up there in that beautiful country

;)

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I feel incredulous that we are midway! We are in the midst of VERY cold although the sun did shine today. To find contentment when you have previously found yourself to be blue is truly a triumphant.

Wonderful photos.

Mimi said...

Hi Zuzana, I love your snow-covered lanterns.
I'm beginning to feel the first tentative strands of spring trickle through the winter days, and evenings are just the tiniest bit longer.
I'm with you re seeing a purpose in nature and seasons, but like you, only recently. The wisdom of age?!!
I hope we get more snow before we wave goodbye to winter.

Cat in the road said...

The winter doldrums pass very quickly when other happier thoughts take their place (Wink);-)

Rajesh said...

Beautiful shots of mi winter. Soon warm glow of Sun will be back.

Foxglove said...

The cycles and seasons of life are quiet amazing and I am looking forward to the approach of Autumn as our summers are very hot and feel very long but to see the beauty and the joys of summer are lessons I am trying to learn.
I love your photos and your spring days will soon shine again!!!

Have a warm and beautiful Sunday. x

Christmas-etc... said...

I don't know if it is because of where I now live or because the accumulation of years has seemed to settle me a bit but I too used to be very unsettled this time of the year! But not any longer (most of the time anyway!). I really do try to enjoy the now - even if my feet are cold during the winter or the sweat is running down my back in the summer! Aging truly is a blessing in more ways than just the obvious!
have a great week, dear Zuzana!
Ann

Phivos Nicolaides said...

No doubt every season does have its own beauty and charm. Wishing you a great new week ahead!

GYPSYWOMAN said...

here, today is one of those dark dreary days where the sky is crying icy droplets that chill to the bone - not one of my favorites, for sure! my leo spirit needs the touch and warmth of the sun! a nice winterwhitescape, even a cold one, would not be so bad - as long as the sky is blue and the sun bright - but, alas, not to be for today - perhaps tomorrow -

always so lovely here in your part of the world, zuzana - what beautiful images you are generous enough to share!!! thank you!

sprinkles said...

Just hearing we're only half way through winter is enough to depress me.

We got a lot of snow early on though and it eventually melted. We've been pretty lucky since then that the winter has been fairly mild. I'm ready for spring though!

Anonymous said...

Hello dear Zuzana!

I've been "off the radar" so-to-speak for a couple weeks I guess... within that time I have discovered a lot about myself - some that I already knew, and others that truly opened my eyes...

One of those was coming to terms with winter and the depression I always associated with it... and just like you I haven't had the "winter blues" like I've had in the past - plus I've come to the realization that I don't have to dread winter anymore - that I have more control over my mind than I give myself credit for... and once I realized that it was such a tremendous feeling!

I wanted to make sure to stop by and say "hi" to my dear friend - sorry I've been absent lately!

Hope all is well with you!

((Hugs!))
Christine

Gal Friday said...

I am glad to know you survived December alright, with sunnier-than-normal conditions(December for me felt like one long, dark night, actually) and are still feeling happy thus far into the new year.
A sunny day in winter, with a little bit of thaw makes for a happy day for me, as well(had one of those today, in fact).

SandyCarlson said...

Winter used to get to me, too. The being cut off from people because of the snowfall could cause some serious cabin fever. I think the Internet as well as a changed heart have opened me to the possibilities of this time of year.

Thanks for this beautiful post.

Jerry said...

I am pleased to see that you are calmly reveling in the wonder of winter.

Zuzana said...

Elizabeth, LSL (welcome;), Arti, Ines, Brian, The Bach, adrielle, Laura, Doreen, Stevie, Amelia, Myrna, Betsy, Nessa, ladyfi, Dulce, Jill, Mimi, Scribe, Rajesh, Foxglove, Ann, Philip, Jeanine, sprinkles, Christine, Tina, Sandy and Jerry – thank you all for your kind words.

Indeed, this winter is passing in a different way than the previous ones ever were, even though already last year I tried to greet it with an undying optimism.;) It seems that positive thinking attract positive things.

Thank you all for your lovely visits and comments.

Xoxo
Zuzana