As the nights grow long and the cold creeps in, the land feels fierce, with warnings of danger and caution to be prepared.
I walk unsteadily down the path to my place of land-based learning, feeling off-balance, weak, and uncertain. I am recovering from a severe illness, the sickest I have been in 20 years. I did not know if I would be well enough to make this visit, but I desperately wanted to come here even though I knew I'd need a long nap afterward. I had no clue as to what the land might offer me this moon - uplifting happiness, hope for the future, the beauty of snow?
I take my time trying to quiet myself when I arrive at my place. It feels harder than normal, because I am still so sick, and because the cold, snow, and wind do not encourage lingering on this day, the day of the full moon. What is being communicated to me is a strong sense of danger. The land seems fierce, and all traces of spring and summer warmth and nurturing are gone. This place does not seem completely inhospitable, I see a little shelter created by a pine's drooping lower branches, but I am filled with a deep concern for safety and the need to be prepared.
This sense of ferocity, danger, and the need to be prepared is conveyed to me on my skin, which reddens in the freezing temperatures, in my ears, which hear the stillness that often accompanies cold winter days, and through my eyes, which are particularly drawn to the creek. The flowing water is pulling my attention more than ever before. I am drawn in by the bubbles, the eddies, and the ice which is forming on its banks. In some place, the ice is a thin skim. In others, it is thick, layered, ridged. It looks sharp.
It seems safe sometimes, but I know that is a trap. The water is a trickster, appearing as light, shallow, and playful, or inky black and imposing. It is the same water, in different places, and it is dangerously cold, the ice sharp and slippery. I realize today that I know this land the best in deep winter. That seems contrary to me, as I spend more time outside in warmer seasons, but it is true. Of course it is true; I live in Alberta, where 6 months of the year sees the land covered in snow and ice! I think of being in relation to the land, being known on the land, and all the winters of my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood come rushing forward. I remember warnings from my parents of the many dangers. I recall stories of people losing their way, lying down in the snow, and never getting up again. I remember my daughter, who had refused to listen to my calls to keep those mittens on, racing around our home screaming in pain as her tiny fingers emanated a red glow from what was very close to being serious frostbite. People falling through ice, succumbing to hypothermia, losing ears, fingers, or toes to the bitter cold. These are not cautionary tales from long ago, but real-life events happening in my community each and every year.
The land is still beautiful, but beneath the white snowy crystals is a frigid indifference. Winter does not want to kill, but it will, without a backward glance. If you want to be out on the land, you need to be prepared. You need to watch, closer than ever, to where the path is, what the ice is like, when and where and how it is safe to walk. You need to be on the lookout for shelter, or track how long it has taken you to get here, and how long it might take to get back to warmth. You need to pay attention. I interpret what is being communicated to me, the danger, ferocity, and inhospitable indifference of winter, as a warning to be vigilant and well prepared.
I struggled to think of ways to express what I am learning. I wanted to share the beauty of the snow, but also to convey the danger and ferocity of this moon. Every other month, I have had so many ideas for peg dolls to act as my winter count symbols, but this moon it has taken a full week to let those ideas germinate and simmer. Today, on the winter solstice, I am prepared to create. I will use silvery paint and sparkly beads to convey the wonder, warnings, and danger I felt during this moon, out on the land. They are beautiful but sharp, and I hope they convey the iciness, warnings, and hidden dangers of this moon.
Tips for Going Outside in Very Cold Weather
I think it's important to get outside whenever possible, even if it is very cold. While in my day home we did not play outside if it was -20 or below, there were many days where it was right on the line, or when we snuck out for some freezing fun even if for just a short while. Read on to learn 3 tips for making freezing weather play a success!
1 - Dress Warm!
This is the most important thing, and it all comes down to winter gear. Hats should be thick and secure, and cover the ears and forehead. For infants and toddlers who try to pull off their hats, a chin strap is a lovely addition to help them keep those ears toasty warm! For hands, thick mitts are best, and even better when you put the mitts on first and then the jacket. This helps them stay on longer, and creates a seal against cold wind and snow. Finally, alongside the snowsuit comes the boots! Higher is better to protect ankles from ice and snow, and remember to tuck the pantlegs of the snowsuit over the boots to seal in warmth.
2 - Make it Fun
Going outside becomes more exciting when there's something amazing to look forward to. One of the most magical things I've ever done outside is blow bubbles. We usually think of this as a summer activity, but when the weather is about -10 or colder those bubbles will actually freeze! It is captivating to watch, and even better when the bubbles collapse in on themselves or shatter, and the curved pieces drift downwards like feathers. I cannot describe how delightful this activity is - please do try it with the children in your life!
3 - Celebrate the Wildlife
Another fun thing to do is make birdfeeders together, then head outside to hang them up. The possibilities are endless - pinecones and peanut butter, cardboard shapes and soy butter, or just cut up a milk carton and fill with seeds! Even very young infants can join in on this simple activity. The neat thing is watching which birds are attracted to the feeders, and if you hang them by a window, even if it's too cold to get outside and play you can still watch the birds from indoors.
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