Are we uncomfortable with darkness?
Reflecting on the time we have to slow down and how we spend it.
Sometimes I wonder if we’ve become too comfortable.
I see many posts about the “we’re almost there… more daylight soon” and that is absolutely true. It’s also totally understandable that people need to hear that message, especially in northern climates where the combination of long nights and colder temps can be really challenging for our well-being (as a born-and-raised Michigander who has suffered from SAD, trust me… I get it).
But there’s something about that sort of message that makes me wonder if we’ve lost touch with the fact that, not only are we able to, but that we are meant to navigate the darkness. It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten why the darkness is here for us… why it can be - and is - an invaluable part of our year(s) and life.
I feel like this sort of thought process encourages us to focus on what’s coming instead of what we’re in now. It’s the same thought process as “when X happens I’ll be Y”… that we’re chasing something.
In this case specifically, it’s almost as if the only season we live for as humans is summer with long days and warm sunshine. That we need to feel like our most vital, active and happy selves in order to live.
Yet we know that we can’t operate in a state of never-ending thriving, productivity and growth. We know that each season is essential to our overall well-being… just as it is in nature..
Do we (in general) not like the darkness because it forces us to slow down a bit? Because it forces us to recognize that we are not machines with an ongoing supply of energy? Does it force us to perhaps be a bit more uncomfortable, have a bit more discernment?
I think for many of us there is a desire to “slow down” more. So here we are, with a gentle invitation from nature to do just that (in the ways we are individually able to) and yet we’re focused on wanting more of the season and energy that pushes us to do more?
If we intentionally take the chance to slow down… what happens when we actually do? Are we bored? Are we lonely? Are we disconnected? Are we comfortable? Are we intentional? Are we inspired? Are we creative? Are we content?
What happens when, instead of rushing our way through the darkness, we let it have its moment? What if we used the darkness to our benefit… to rest, to craft, to read, to cook, to create, to reflect, to commune? To simply be.
What do you think?
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Disclaimer: This is not meant to take away from the very real challenges that come along in winter such as lower mental health, isolation, dangerous conditions for those without shelter, etc. It is also not meant to discredit that very real, uncomfortable and inhumane challenges certain communities in our world are facing. Finally, it is not meant to serve as medical advice or anything of the nature… this is merely reflective thought. If you or someone you know is in a dark place during this time, I encourage you to seek professional guidance and support.
I know that our modern world does not recognize this sort of seasonality. Many of us don’t have a choice to “slow down” in our responsibilities given family, work, etc. This is meant to serve as a reflection to what “slowing down” could look like, in whatever way makes sense to your own individual life.
photo ©Rebecca Aldrich, 2024