Connecting to the Simplicity of Our Inner Desires

In the winter colder months, most of us want more pampering, to feel that we belong, and to have the time and space to rest. I am a hibernating type of animal, and I very much want peace and respite at this time of year. After weeks of celebrating and connecting with my friends and family – another key desire of mine! – I partake in a large amount of quietude. Tea, a cat on my lap, and a good book is all I really want.

Nature calls us to retreat when it is colder and food is less scarce, and humanity often doesn’t want to align with that demand. But when we do, there is a great nourishment that seeps into our hearts.

Humans complicate desire and want to quantify everything – to judge what’s best, to judge how well we are measuring up against what we believe everyone else is doing and experiencing and having. We can’t quite believe that life could really be as simple as relaxing and enjoying the moment. We have been taught to fear that if we take a break we’ll be judged, or that the world will suddenly stop working so we prod ourselves on endlessly.

I’d suggest that we are allowed and called to release ourselves from all the desires for MORE at this time of year, and to indulge the desires for rest, recuperation and dreaming. It’s a great time of year for dreaming and planning, and not necessarily a time for tackling huge and arduous goals. Let that be for the Spring!

For now, rest, my friends, and indulge your deep human desires for comfort, love, and connection. A time and season for every purpose, yes?