My Winter is slowly coming to an end. After a stunning period of frosty weather, the little snow we received has melted, and a warm wind bearing the promise of Spring greets me. The wind has been howling for days, speaking through the high-pitched voice of the tall pines surrounding my home. I feel blessed to live in the forest, for she sings of the change about to come.
In the Taoist tradition, the energetic transition from Winter to Spring occurs in the first week of February, defining the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Our inner world becomes more tangibly felt in our day-to-day lives. Things are stirring in the depths of our being, still mostly invisible but exciting nonetheless. The inspiration you receive may take a more defined shape in your thoughts, and you may start to feel excited about the possibilities that a new cycle brings.
I am inspired to write more this year. A story is forming in my subconscious, and although I can’t fully grasp it yet, something big is developing beneath the surface. I feel the urge to force my inspiration to come to the surface, willing it to grow, but I’ve learned that it’s best to let these things rest until they want to be seen.
It’s January still, and we’re in the late hours of Winter, a period in which the quality of not-knowing slowly transforms into preliminary forms, thoughts, and ideas. Meanwhile, this beautiful life moves through us autonomously, so I recommend enjoying the quality of surrender and trust for a little while longer.
With Spring, it will become clear how our creative ambitions want to unfold. Inspiration will knock on your door, instructing you what to do to bring your dreams into being. Trust that the future rolls in like a wave, and the grass grows green by itself.
Published on by Sacha Post. This essay is part of the weekly letters. Explore more essays on winter in the archives.