Our December N&G Book Club Pick was Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May, which was such a perfect selection during these dark, cold, uncertain times.
I really loved this book, as it gave me permission to go dark in the winter. It’s been interesting during the pandemic to hear people talking about how we should all be accomplishing more right now—but that is just not feasible for many of us. Katherine talks about honoring the fact that you need to put on your oxygen mask first. Sometimes we all need to hibernate and focus solely on taking care of ourselves during tough times, whether that’s because of a pandemic, an illness, the loss of a family member, or a bout with depression.
Katherine was so candid and honest about who she is during our chat, which was inspiring. I hope you’ll watch our full conversation in the video below. And then pick up a copy of Wintering if you haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet.
2 Comments
Mary-Therese Miller
Thanks for this conversation. I have been struggling with how limited my life is during this pandemic, but thinking about it as a time ti “winter” means I don’t have to be “always active” because sitting and thinking is real progress. Thank you.
Jessica Lozano
Hi Gen,
I really enjoyed your conversation with her. I bought the book and am excited to read it. It’s so hard when you’re in the habit of taking care of others to take time for yourself and be ok with it. To not always be in action mode and think what is else is left for me to do. We are always striving to do more, be more and have more for our families. Which is all wonderful and ok but also do more for ourselves and sometimes that means being still and repairing and nurturing ourselves. It’s definately a process and I’m trying to navigate as best as possible.
I think we all have to remember – we have to be gentle with ourselves just as we are with others. Something I have to constantly remind myself of doing.
Now I’ll get to reading!
Thank you,
Jess