As we prepare for our physical winter I was wondering if any of you have started entering a “spiritual winter?" Or are you already in a “winter” mode? Do you even know what it means to be in a “spiritual winter?” I ask this because I feel myself entering a “spiritual winter” mode. I become more contemplative and withdrawn. I lose the desire to socialize become even more a home body than I already am. My soul becomes quiet and begins to find loud sounds and noise irritating. This is indication to me that my soul is preparing to “winter.” According to Havilah Cunnington, Speaker and Author, a "spiritual winter" is “a period of feeling stagnant, spiritually dry, and distant from God, characterized by a lack of spiritual energy, joy, and connection to faith, but it is also understood as a natural season of spiritual growth, like a physical winter." During this time, it is important to lean into stillness, deepen one's roots in faith, and trust that God or whatever or whomever you believe in is working beneath the surface to strengthen your foundation for future growth. So, what are the signs and meaning of a spiritual winter? According to Miriam Dixon, Author here are the signs, purpose or meaning and how to navigate a “spiritual winter.” Signs of a Spiritual Winter - Spiritual Dryness: A general feeling of spiritual fatigue or lack of passion for once-loved spiritual activities.
- Prayer Feels Like a Struggle: Difficulty connecting with God through prayer or feeling like your prayers lack momentum.
- God's Perceived Silence or Absence: Sensing a distance from God, a feeling of His silence, or a lack of His presence in your life.
- Exhaustion from Former Joys: Tasks or activities that once brought joy now feel draining.
- Questioning and Doubt: A painful period of questioning and deconstructing beliefs to build a stronger foundation.
Purpose and Meaning of “Spiritual Winters” - Rest and Restoration: A time for the soul to go within, rest, and undergo internal healing and renewal.
- Deepening Roots: A period of spiritual dormancy where one's roots are strengthened, preparing for new growth.
- Maturing Character: A season for God to strengthen and mature your character, including developing love, patience, and joy.
- Internal Dialogue: Dormant dreams and desires are opportunities for deeper conversation and connection with God.
Navigating a Spiritual Winter - Embrace Stillness: Find opportunities for quietness, deep prayer, and contemplation, connecting with the quiet wisdom of nature's cycles.
- Strengthen Your Foundation: Use the time to deepen your understanding of your faith and God's true nature.
- Seek Community: Lean on other believers for support, find a like-minded community.
- Trust the Process: Understand that this is a temporary, cyclical season, and that visible growth is not the only sign of progress.
- Focus on Gratitude: Find reasons to be grateful, such as the simple comforts of winter and the strength of evergreens.
Books that explore the concept of "spiritual wintering" include "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" by Katherine May, which offers a personal and profound look at navigating periods of darkness and stillness. Other relevant titles are "The Stillness of Winter" by Barbara Mahany, which finds sustenance in the cold months, "Inner Alchemy of Wintering" by Taylor Ellwood for recovery from burnout, and "Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season" by Gary Schmidt, which examines the season from a spiritual and historical perspective. May you find peace during this quiet time and allow yourself to rest, pray, meditate and discover your spiritual essence. Sessions for Spiritual Counseling are held at my home office or by video chat. I do have cats and understand some people have allergies, if that is the case, we can meet at the Tannery Marketplace (they have offered me a space at an hourly rental.) My office hours will be Sunday, Monday, and Tuesdays from 10 - 6 PM. Scheduling is available online via my website. If you have additional questions about Spiritual Counseling/Guidance and if it is for you, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at spiritualpathwaysnh@gmail.com. Namaste, Pat Laurino Intuitive Energy Healer/Spiritual Psychic/Medium |
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Local Alternative Healers - (click on the links to learn more about them:) Functional Medicine Energy Healers Massage Therapists Medical Spa Movement Therapies/Yoga/Pilates Herbal/Natural Medicine/Nutrition Chiropractor Acupuncturist Mental Counseling Health Providers Spiritual Counseling/Life Coaching Astrology The above list is only a portion of the providers we are blessed to have. So, if you feel frustrated with traditional medicine maybe try one of the above practitioners, who knows it may just change your life and aren't you worth that? |
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530 Blakslee Road
Dalton, NH 03598, United States |
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