Winter is cold and dark, just like the hard times we all go through. In Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, Katherine May writes beautifully about embracing those tough seasons and finding yourself again. Her idea of “wintering” is about seeing the beauty in moments that we’d usually just try to survive, and her poetic writing really brings this to life.

But here’s the thing about tough times: they’re not the same for everyone. May’s perspective, as lovely as it is, comes from a place of privilege. She talks about financial struggles after leaving her job, but still takes a trip to Iceland, a luxury most people can’t even imagine during a crisis. She has a strong support system, with friends offering her opportunities to heal and a husband who’s there for her every step of the way. That’s just not the reality for so many people.

Don’t get me wrong, I found parts of this book touching. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that her experience of “wintering” isn’t relatable and accessible to everyone. For people without the means to take time off or escape to hot springs, her advice might feel out of reach. Some parts even reminded me of those feel-good movies where everything magically works out in the end.

That said, Wintering is still a thoughtful and beautifully written book. If you’re looking for poetic reflections on life’s hard seasons, it’s worth a read. Just know that it comes from a specific perspective—not one that everyone can relate to.

Summary

What Is Wintering?

At some point in life, everyone winters. For some, it happens repeatedly. Wintering is more than just a metaphorical season—it’s a time when you feel disconnected, stuck, or cast aside. It’s a pause, a period of stillness that contrasts with the constant motion of life. We often dream of perpetual summers, imagining life as a smooth journey of endless success. But winter is inevitable. Life will falter, and the quiet chill of winter will creep in, reminding us that struggle is part of the human experience.

The Insights of Winter

Wintering is not just about surviving; it’s about finding wisdom in the cold. These moments of difficulty often lead to profound self-discovery and insight. Those who have weathered their winters carry knowledge that can guide others. It’s a shared responsibility: those who winter must pass on their wisdom, and the rest of us must be willing to listen. This exchange of stories becomes a gift that connects us all.

The Beauty and Trickery of Winter

Winter invites us to step outside the ordinary, offering fleeting moments of magic and transformation. But it can be deceptive. Snow, for instance, creates a breathtaking new world only to vanish as quickly as it arrived. These transitions remind us that nothing is permanent, yet every fleeting moment holds value.

Ant Years and Grasshopper Years

Life isn’t about achieving perfect stability. We all have years where we can prepare and save—our “ant years”—and years when we need help, our “grasshopper years.” The mistake isn’t in needing help; it’s in believing that these difficult times are unique to us. Grasshopper years are universal. Recognizing this can foster compassion for ourselves and others.

Winter as Social Glue

Winter reminds us of the importance of community and care. Humans don’t thrive because of their utility but because of their capacity to nurture. We take joy in caring for others—whether it’s a pet, a child, or a loved one. The most vulnerable members of our society hold us together, teaching us that connection, not productivity, is the key to thriving.

The Quiet Work of Winter

Winter isn’t just a time to endure; it’s a time for quiet creation. When the world slows down, we turn to the small, steady tasks that bring comfort—knitting, baking, repairing, and restoring. These acts of care, both for ourselves and our surroundings, remind us of the power of persistence and creativity during hard times.

Winter as a Cycle

Nature shows us that survival isn’t a single act—it’s a continuous practice. Seasons cycle endlessly, teaching us to adapt and endure. Humans, too, experience cycles of health, doubt, ease, and hardship. Wintering helps us understand that no phase is permanent. Each season teaches us something new, and each hardship equips us with tools to face the next. Progress isn’t about eliminating challenges but learning to navigate them more gracefully.

Winter, ultimately, is not something to fear but to embrace. It’s a season that shapes us, a time to reflect, rebuild, and prepare for the inevitable cycles of life. By accepting the rhythm of winters and summers, we can find peace in the understanding that life, in all its messiness, is beautifully cyclical.

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Author: Katherine May

Publication date: 6 February 2020

Number of pages: 241 pages

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