Alicia Ailiff

Old books.

Embrace the beauty of the natural world as we enter into the depths of winter. There’s something wonderfully haunting about the barrenness, the muted saturation, the quiet. This season is like the stillness between the exhale and the inhale. Dwell in that space.

Try and get in the habit of waking up early, even if you only manage it on odd occasions. This time of year, the sun might rise later than you. Bask in the morning twilight.

Dress well and fully, even if you do not intend to leave the house.

After you wake up, go for a walk, be it brief of meandering. Do not listen to music, but rather hone in on the silence, the sound of your footfalls, the winter birds.

If you live near a park or otherwise pleasant natural area with benches, take with you a novel or poetry collection, and linger for a time to read. Remember to wear gloves so that you may turn pages without discomfort.

Open a window periodically throughout the day, even if it is cold. That brief blast of air will anchor you to the natural world.

Try to complete at least one chapter of reading per day. You must tend to your mind just as you tend to your body.

If you wish, you may compose handwritten letters to those you care for, or fear with whom you may be losing touch. A physical letter holds so much more weight than a text or email. Practice your cursive, make the letter truly lovely.

Eat dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate, tea rather than soda, whole bread rather than white.

Keep a handwritten journal of your upcoming tasks, daily aspirations and idle musings. Maintaining a written record of one’s obligations helps to remind oneself of the obligations’ true scales so that they do not try to expand and sprout teeth in the mind.

Work hard. This season is stark and unyielding, as are you. You were built for this. Face the storm head on.

As night draws in, play some classical music in the candlelight. Close your eyes, tip your head back, and lean into it. Let the song flow through you in haptic ecstasy.

Before retreating to bed, record some of the positive experiences brought to you throughout the day: from tasks you completed successfully, to poetic thoughts that stuck you, to birds you spotted on your windowsill. Kindle your childlike sense of wonder, for there is so much in this world to wonder at.