This morning when I stepped out of the house for my morning dook, Scottish for a quick dip in the burn, this is at 6.45am and it was pitch dark and raining steadily. I was wearing what a dutch acquaintance calls Adam’s suit. Now, to the usual mind set, that act would be seen as bonkers but for me, whilst it does take an element of commitment because my logical mind say does say Nooooo, I simply step away from that mind set and it always turns out to be a joyous way to start the day.
I love the winter, the cold, the dark, at the winter solstice here in Scotland we have less than seven hours of daylight, and the feeling that comes with that is of hibernation.
When I am in my little meditation hut I get out my copy of the poem by Joyce Rupp called Winter’s Cloak.
Winter’s Cloak
This winter I do not want
the dark to leave me.
I need its wrap
of silent stillness.
Its cloak
of long lasting embrace.
Too much light
has pulled me away
from the chamber
of gestation.
Let the dawns
come late,
let the sunsets
arrive early.
Let the evenings
extend themselves
while I lean into
the abyss of my being.
Let me lie in the cave
of my soul,
for too much light
blinds me,
Steals the source
of revelation.
Let me seek solace
in the empty places
of winter’s passage,
Those vast dark nights,
that never fail to shelter me.
by Joyce Rupp
These words encompass all that I enjoy about the darkness as I immerse myself into the icy embrace of the water, rather than recoil at the effect that it has on my body, I simply relax into the sensations. I don’t emerge from the water and rush indoors but dry myself in the open looking up at the sky and feeling and smelling the life around and within me.
I know that many find the winter period difficult, I’ve often wondered why and how they deal with it? What’s your reaction?
Muddy Feet 
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