Winter: Season of the Cave

Winter comes to us as new opportunity to enter a deep stillness, inviting us to BE instead of DO. As the season of the most feminine energy (yin), winter honours the quiet time of reflection, contemplation, darkness, the death of old ways, and finding respite in hibernation. It is a reminder of our mental, emotional, physical, energetic, and spiritual survival.  In both Chinese medicine and Islamic Tibb winter is represented by the element of water, the kidney bladder system and the emotions of fear. We can tap into these in our contemplations to align and benefit from this season.

We are often told the most depressing days are approaching in mid winter, where the last Monday in January is often called Blue Monday. But we are true believers, we are the wisdom seekers and we will not be pulled into this narrative. The beloved prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said

“Winter is the springtime of the believer.”

Its amazing to compare winter to the season that is almost opposite in nature. Yet there is a great learning here. Winter brings ease to our acts of worship; with long nights for standing in prayer and short days for capturing the easy rewards of fasting. Harsh cold weather can make us more aware of the suffering and hence give more in charity. Taking extra care of neighbours who are older or struggling to keep warm can come easier in this period. This is the spiritual spring. Alhumdulillah.

For me, both winter and Ramadan represent the cave. A quiet time of contemplation which birthed the most life-changing experiences for our prophet (peace be upon him). We can experience such transformations, albeit at a much smaller level, throughout life but winter and Ramadan are so perfectly aligned with restoration, rejuvenation and transformation.

But even in the physical sense there is great activity in this seemingly silent season. As the great scholar Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi expressed in his ever enchanting poetry:

In this season of “being”, nature surrenders itself to the Laws of the Divine. As the plants and animals are in slumber and there seems to be a strike on growth and activity, we are oblivious to the great hidden preparation occuring for the bursting forth of Spring. As Muslims we acknowledge humbly that this activity comes from something greater, a force magnificent, a provider of sustenance, the One who is always taking care of us. Perhaps we too can take a lesson in allowing ourselves to surrender to the Divine wisdom in this month?

Just contemplating on the “winter” times of our lives, you know those difficult moments or experiences, our trials and tribulations, will give us the gift of hindsight. We realise that it is only in the darkest times that we experience inner growth.

In the midst of Winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back. ― Albert Camus

What can we do to lean into this season and extract the best of lessons?

• We can tap into nurturing our water element through deeply nourishing foods, like broths and stews.
• Looking after our kidneys, bones and teeth better . All are governed by the water element. Foods build energy and gentle, deliberate movements help to soften fascia to increase flow to these areas.
• Keep warm, especially the kidney region. Make warming and hearty meals. Curl up in blankets, enjoy log fires and slow mornings. Wear warm thick socks and use hot water bottles to relax those muscles.
• Get out in sunlight during the day as much as you can and remain active. Remember to ground by coming into contact with nature. Barefoot mught be too adventurous but tree hugging is acheivable for all.
• Examine our relationship with rest and stillness. Do I resist or surrender? How do I handle being in receiving energy (feminine)? Do I struggle? How does my resistance manifest and where does it reside in my body? How can I let go and step into flow?
• Examine our relationship with darkness. Not just physically ( eg, fear of the unknown) but also aspects of our own ego- our shadow side. Do I acknowledge my shadow? Do I deny its existance? Am I always in victimhood and blaming others, or can I see glimpses of my shadow self in others?How can I cultivate my inner light?

During this month it is important to capitalise on the rewards of our ritual worship as much as possible. But so too is it healing to enjoy watching the snow gently falling and dissolving into the ground, the robins frollicking or the magic of ice crystals forming. Trulying observing nature is actually watching the ayat of the Source Creator in real time. Use your senses and immerse in the depths of winter to experience your truest deepest feminine essense

Warm salaams

Afsha