January - the Light Begins to Return

   My father always used to say that January was the coldest month. Here in the Northeast, the ground would be frozen, snows would come, and the cold. But in the midst of all this winter weather, is the fact that the sunset is already getting later. Coming home from an appointment last night at 5:15 pm, it was not completely dark yet, as compared to it being pitch black just a few weeks ago. So already the Sun begins its long journey back.
   At the moment we are in the midst of a blizzard. The wind is quite ferocious, flooding is anticipated with the high tides of the Full Moon, snow at about a foot so far and more to come, and still another day of the storm to follow.

A Snowy Trail

   Living a natural life would be to be in tune with these natural events and storms and seasons and weather as it occurs. We are this year subject to El Nino, and thought perhaps it would continue to be a dry, warmer winter, but even the effects of El Nino are unpredictable. We think that our technical lives with computers and cars and phones make us exempt from Mother Nature, but it does not.
   Once technology began in the Industrial Revolution, it seems we have gotten away from the previous ways of agricultural life, living on and being in tune with the land. Many authors have written about this, and one book that comes to mind that we were required to read in college was called "Against the Grain", where every day people in every day life were resistant to the changes that technology could bring, in a symbolic way. And yet didn't we need to move forward with the inventions and discoveries?
   I find for myself, as in all things, there has to be balance. Yes I drive a car, but I also ride a bicycle when I can, and do alot of walking. I try to cook my own foods, with real vegetables and fruits instead of prepared foods, and avoid chemicals and preservatives for health reasons. I do spend time in nature, and try to lead a more simple life rather than being so caught up in the rat race fast pace of life.
   But still I must work, but I keep things in perspective. Or at least I think I try to.
   These are things I would have to mention to continue with the title of Natural Living for my blog.
   
   With all of this in mind, could I ever truly live Off the Grid? No electricity, no running water, no toilet, just an outhouse, no heat except for fire, no air conditioning except for the wind? I don't really know. What I can do is to be in nature as much as possible, take retreats into the mountains or to the ocean, be respectful of nature, tune into natural ways as much as possible, which I will continue to outline in upcoming articles.
   It's a choice, and also sometimes it can be necessary for health. Who knows what all these chemicals really can or cannot do to us. So why take the chance. I try to eat organic foods and use organic products when ever possible. Still, there are healthy, or natural choices we can make.

   Going through this blizzard in a warm house just reminds me I do like to live in a dwelling that has sufficient heat. Maybe warmer climates don't need as much heat, but in northern climates it is a consideration.
   The best part about a blizzard is the quietness. No one is out or about, not even the snow plows. It's been snowing now for about 24 hours, and things will begin to slow down now. I realize I don't really hear the wind so much anymore, so perhaps things are truly winding down now. And in the morning the clean up will begin, and it is forecast that the Sun will come out. A new day.

   And so we approach the end of January, just another week. It is always intense after the holidays, as though the world is playing catch up from having taken a break. In February the Sun will be growing a bit stronger, and the days will be longer. By mid February, there is always a day somewhere during that time where you wake up, and the air outside is crisp and fresh, and there is sunlight everywhere, and you feel inspired towards the future. I swear to myself on the day I feel this every year that it is a signal that Spring is not too far away, as though the energy of it sparks first, later followed by moderate temperatures.

   March the Sun is even stronger and the sense of change is in the air, but I am getting ahead of myself.

   I find myself pleased that the Sun now makes its gradual return, bringing warmth and light on cold days.

Sunlight in the Birch Trees at Dawn in winter