We are now in the “dead of winter”, no pun intended, when many Canadians, including myself, experience Seasonal Affective Disorder|(SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. For me it starts in the fall when the days get shorter, temperatures are not as warm, and it is not as sunny. I find SAD to be a fitting acronym, as my symptoms often include feeling down, irritable, fatigued, changes in appetite, trouble falling or staying asleep, to name a few.
My winter regimen includes indoor gardening, taking vitamins D, B supplements and using a magnesium spray to ensure that I am getting enough of these vital vitamins and minerals. I also try to get out as much as I can for walks in nature. But days like today when it is -19° and feels like -30° with the windchill, no thank you! Indoor gardening is my ultimate saviour during this bleak time. Gardening indoor feels like giving the middle finger to the depressive parts of winter, like windchill and no sun. I do think winter is beautiful, especially when everything is covered in hoar frost. It just takes a lot out of me.
Days like today I especially enjoy my indoor jungle and studio space. I take a moment to just soak up the beautiful ambiance that is created by the plants and try not to think too much. This helps a lot! I feel calmer and more at peace. I invite you to join me in this space for workshops to enjoy the benefits of plant therapy and create something beautiful with plants. I’ve included my all-time favourite quote by French Philosopher, Albert Camus below. It expresses the resilience that I feel indoor gardening and working with plants foster in me.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” – Albert Camus
Be well,
Sandra
