For A Better Humanity

With so much happening in the world, I’ve claimed the power of rest and retreat in these difficult times. I am wintering—a term I might never have known if it weren’t for

Katherine May

‘s beautiful book, Wintering I discovered last winter. Her work illuminated what I hadn’t yet put into words: the profound need to pause, slow down, and re-center.

Like my cat Jager, who instinctively embraces stillness, especially now during those winter days, I am learning to honor this deep, intuitive need. In doing so, I’m rediscovering what I truly need—not the expectations of others, but the quiet truths within myself—to cultivate a better humanity. Finding stillness and peace in my wee little studio, I write and ponder.

I nurture unity through Kundalini yoga, deep breathwork, reaching out to dear friends, and frosty winter walks that clear the air and refresh my spirit. Little naps, hot beverages, and indulgent chocolate also weave their way into this sacred time, offering simple comforts that soothe my soul.

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Winter cherry blossoms

“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Winter blossoms

Within my heart,

Warm, safe—

A feeling of home.

Deep and white,

It floats in the wind,

Shining in Winter’s sun.

Transformation is possible,

With will, and grace.

I am wintering,

Cultivating a new spring,

Knowing change is always possible.

It isn’t fear that drives me—

Love has enough,

Perhaps more radical now.

Enough of freshly painted walls—

Some things need to be abolished,

Reinvented.

I’ve failed myself,

Maybe I was stubborn.

But now is the time—

No waiting for tomorrow,

Or a future that may never come.

We can’t remain inactive,

Wherever we are.

Everyone is invited

To join the cause for A Better Humanity.

The system isn’t the problem.

We, the people, are.

New structures emerge through us—

Every choice, every action,

Shapes what we become.

It’s us— Who else?

What will we tell our children?

That to dream of a better world

Is naive, or cynical?

Change begins within—

Hope and empathy

Must be cultivated.

History shows what happens when fear takes over—

We mustn’t let it win.

I will continue,

In every way I can,

To do my part—

Cultivating empathy,

For a better world,

For humanity.

Knowing that hope alone is not enough,

We need to begin trusting ourselves again,

For empathy to emerge.

Thank you,

DD🌻

Originally published at The Compassionate Gardener on 14 January, 2025