The Beauty of the Bare Branch

Finding Quiet This Winter

I’ll be the first to admit: I used to fight winter. It was always easier for me to enjoy the sun and the "doing" of spring and summer. For a long time, I viewed this season as something to simply endure until the first buds appeared. But over the last 10 years, I’ve been able to appreciate the winter season more, rather than brace for it to end.

I take time to look at the trees. I can appreciate that they aren't "doing" much on the outside, but they are doing the vital work of anchoring deep into the earth. They are resting so they can eventually bloom. Nature doesn’t feel guilty about taking a break, and I realized I shouldn't either.

Here are three small things I’m leaning on this month to stay grounded while the air is cold and the days are short.

A Mindful Moment

Every morning while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil or my coffee to brew I stand still and simply notice the weight of my feet on the floor. I don’t try to clear my head of my "to-do" list; I just feel the physical connection between me and the ground. It takes thirty seconds, but it reminds my nervous system that I am supported.

A Nature Moment

I have a tree in my backyard named Luis. Once a day while playing with my dog, I try to take just a few minutes to look at the bare branches of Luis. Without the leaves in the way, I am able to notice the intricate patterns and the strength of the wood. There is a quiet, honest beauty in things being stripped back to their essentials. It’s a reliable reminder that even when I feel "bare" or quiet, I am still standing.

A Creative Moment

Once a day I try to do something creative. Make a meal, a line drawing, a flower arrangement. Today I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen—nothing fancy. I then spent a few minutes drawing a one line outline of a houseplant in my living room. This meant drawing one line without picking up my pen once, as I drew. It was not accurate but still fun, and gave me a moment to connect with my plant that I’ve had for almost two years now. And that’s the point. It’s about the joy of noticing, not the perfection of the art.

I really have learned to love leaning into winter and being like the bare branches, resting.

xo, Megan

Here’s a peek at my drawing…

My money tree drawing looks more “perky” then my actual plant. Off to water it now!