In the Northern Hemisphere January is perhaps what most of us think of as the cruellest month rather than April, which I doubt very few people see as cruel except perhaps T.S. Eliot in The Wasteland with his talk of the dead land, stirring of dull roots, and a dead tree that gives no shelter. However, in those words is a glimmer of regeneration we usually associate nowadays with February and March.
Is January the cruellest month? It can certainly be dark and cold for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the landscape unforgiving. Some of us in January will feel lonelier or alone. The last years, perhaps more so with the constant threat of Covid and the uncertainty connected with it. Usually, with bare trees, little sign of growth, and for many us, a tough time financially, the month can indeed seem the harshest of the year.
Instead of seeing the month in this way and dreading it once the festivities of Yuletide are over, look to see the beauty in it – in nature. Live it and experience it instead of hibernating, hoping the time will swiftly pass. Embrace the architectural beauty to be found in bare trees and enjoy uninterrupted scenic views that leafy trees and undergrowth often block out. To be fair, with a mild winter for some of us this year, we are lucky and see not just the promise of growth in the landscape, but actual growth. Spring flowers are early, buds grow on trees, and when the sun deigns to come out, the month has a real feel of spring seldom experienced until after Imbolg. However, this is not so everywhere and for everyone.
January is a time of rest for nature, the trees are not dead, but they may look it, adding to a feeling of depression. But with less to distract us, we can learn to appreciate January and tune into the season.
When out and about, be observant and you will notice the bark of trees more, the texture and colour, silhouettes of branches against a stark uniform white or grey sky. Walk through the mulchy fallen leaves on the ground, many still gold and bronze. Who can fail to see and enjoy the twinkling beauty of a hoar frost? Ice on ponds and puddles? A blanket of fresh snow? Enjoy watching the increasing light from week to week. Appreciate the winter-flowering shrubs and the red berries against shiny evergreen and other colours – as there is colour if you really look.
For us personally, the last week or so before Imbolg and while indoors, it is a good time to reflect and to plan, to use the time wisely. To rest and recuperate as nature is doing. To reflect and reorganise. To prioritise.
Although it appears winter is never ending, before you know it, nature will dust herself off and come to life once more. Embrace the landscape and see the beauty in it now. Appreciate it while you can.
