When Winter Invites Us Forward

Answering the quiet call to step outside, even when comfort tells us not to.

On Snow Dusted Trails

The Denver metro area got its first measurable snowfall in 224 days. The second longest streak without snow in recorded history. That stat not withholding, it was charming to wake up to see the world in a fresh blanket of snow, albeit a light one. As the morning progressed, it slowed. Allowing the clouds to occasionally break, and giving the sun room to make it all dazzle in the early morning light. Once the temperature rose from a balmy sixteen to a manageable twenty five, it was time to venture out.

Donning layers, gloves and a hat, it was all just thick enough to slow the chill from reaching my bones. I took off on a run, heading to the trailhead which was just minutes from my front step. Feeling the frosty tingle on my limited exposed skin, and the cold air struggling to make it through my body heat. I trotted along. Adding my fresh tracks to those of the local rabbits, resident fox and racoons. Eyeing the creek, who’s water was still able to flow past the snow capped stones along the banks. It turned and rounded each corner with me following it, all the way to a still pond.

I slowed my roll to that of a saunter, as not to disrupt the serene moment. Taking in the two worlds before me. The world I was in, with the yellow marsh grasses lined the shore and surrounded by barren trees, and the one reflected back to us in the still glass of the water. The subtle tones of humble grey and brilliant white. Offering two different views of the same winter scene. It was disturbed, only by the geese. On their long migration, opted for this picturesque spot to be their next place of rest. Coming in for a landing with a chorus of loud honks and splashes. With the ripples of the pond reaching the bank, I continued on, turning down a path more wooded, and the tracks far fewer.

The clouds returning, and with them the occasional flake making its slow descent to the earth. Drifting lazily, only landing when the time was just right. This venture out into nature was the perfect introduction to winter, and welcomed in the cold with gusto.

Going Out, and into Winter

With the air around us becoming frigid, we will spend the next few months debating if it is worth layering up to make these kinds of treks out into the wilds. Asking if it is better to stay on the couch under multiple blankets fireside. The warm confines of our home tends to win out over the cold sunless outside world. This voluntary confinement though can leave us feeling cutoff and isolated, making winter seem only colder, darker and lasting much longer. However, we can change the way we view winter by learning from people who have embraced it for centuries.

It is easy to see why most people flock to the Danish idea of “Hygge”. A concept that dates back to the 1800s and is about taking time away from the hustle and bustle of life. Stepping away from work, from noise, and to enjoy some quiet time and to get cozy. Which has its own benefits, especially if our aim to stronger connection to those around us. However we should also look to the Norwegian “Friluftsliv”.

This idea goes in a bit of a different direction. While the former is mostly about being cozy indoors, friluftsliv is all about being outdoors regardless of the cold. It is a philosophy that anytime spent out in nature is time well spent, especially during the winter. Now it can be easy to get lost in this idea. Thinking it needs to be some activity like cross country skiing, or kayaking through a snowy fjord. Those activities can be a part of it, sure. But for many of us they are not the norm (or very easily accessible). The concept is more about being present in nature, regardless of how small the action. It can be as simple as layering up and taking a walk on a snowy path or even wrapping up in a blanket and sitting outside to enjoy the early sunset. It is about connecting to nature regardless of age, activity or time of year. It is about being connected more to nature, through consistency. Through regular activity outside, much like a winter run, we maintain our strong bonds to the natural world.

With this concept, comes intention. We have to make it a point to take the time to go prepare ourselves to go outside and into nature. Donning the correct protection for out activity. This intention requires choice. We can choose to sit and wait for the sun to come, or we can venture out to greet it. We can choose to be removed from trails we frequent and love, or we can choose to seek out opportunities to enjoy them in every season. The same views we enjoy in the summer, can offer new glimpses and details in winter. The quiet stillness offers space for deeper levels of reflection, providing the introspection we might lose when distracted by the sights and sounds of spring or autumn. The shortest of walk, the briefest of moment, even the smallest change can bring forward more connection that we are longing for. To the natural world, and in turn to ourselves.

All of which can make the long cold dark winter months, seem just a bit shorter.