21 Jan Embracing the Quiet of Winter: A Time for Reflection and Connection
Honoring Ancestors and Embracing Change
As we closed 2024 we had a lot of moments of reflection for our family. During the Day of the Dead, as the seasons shifted, we gathered with the grandparents to share stories about our ancestors. It was a beautiful way to connect across generations, teaching our children to honor their roots and reflect on the lives that paved the way for ours.
Autumn also brought a significant change: after six wonderful years in Waldorf education, we made the decision to transition the children to public school in September. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. Together, we spent many hours talking as a family, helping the kids understand what life might be like in a new educational philosophy.
Now, four months in, we’re proud of how well they’ve adapted. They’ve made new friends and embraced the opportunities offered by the forward-thinking Óbidos school system. Recently, both Rocco and Skye received vouchers for the Óbidos Literary Festival, Folio 2024, a reminder of how this new chapter is already enriching their lives.
The Rhythm of Nature
As the deciduous trees dropped their leaves, we too learned to let go. That time of year invites reflection—on the work we’ve done, the changes we’ve embraced, and the gifts of the land.
Richard and Rocco have been exploring ways to enhance the ecosystem for the next season. Inspired by permaculture principles, they’ve been researching companion planting to support the health of our soil and plants. With the generous rainfall this year, the land is vibrant and thriving, offering plenty of opportunities to sit outside, sipping tea or cocoa, and overlooking the valley.
In autumn we were blessed by the presence of birds of prey soaring above the countryside, their majestic flight a daily reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. At dusk, bats flit through the sky, and the return of migratory birds fills the air with song—a chorus that speaks of renewal and continuity.
Cozy Evenings and Family Moments
Now in January as the nights grow colder, we enjoy our log stove. Its warmth draws us together in the evenings, where we connect reading, playing games, and sharing stories by the fire. There’s something magical about this time of year, where the simple joys of home feel even more precious.
Even Max, our dog, is settling into the season with his new kennel, lovingly built by Richard from second-hand pallet wood. Max seems to love it so much that he’s reluctant to leave it in the mornings, requiring a bit of coaxing to join us for family breakfast!
A Time for Gratitude
Winter reminds us to pause and express gratitude—for the land that sustains us, for the moments of connection we share, and for the warmth of a community that supports us. This season, we’re reflecting on the transitions we’ve embraced and the lessons we’ve learned, finding beauty in every step of the journey.
As the days grow shorter and the nights cozier, we invite you to slow down with us. Take a moment to reflect on your own rhythms, to honor the changes in your life, and to find joy in the simple, quiet moments that winter brings.
🌙 Whether it’s through sharing stories by the fire, exploring nature’s wonders, or sipping a warm drink under the stars, this season offers endless opportunities for connection and reflection.
With love,
Richard Wilson
Feeling the pressure of the “New year, new you” trend? Have a look at Sandra’s social media post where she invites you to not get swept away by this pressure. But look at nature as it reminds us which season we are truly in.