As we begin a new year, society is often overwhelmed with the pressure of making resolutions, plans for transformation, and large changes. I’ve reflected on this concept heavily this month with friends on the importance of giving our bodies and minds more grace during this time. When naturally, the winter season is a time for our bodies to find rest, stillness, and reflection.
As we look around us, we are in the thick of winter and everything comes back to life in the spring. So why do we try to perform as though it is spring or summer? Each season has its unique purpose and rhythm, and I think it’s important to acknowledge this.
I enjoyed interpreting this photo as a portrayal of attempting to rest and relax while being surrounded by the harsh, blunt, and edged personality of winter. A simple reminder that we don’t need to rush into the new year and can gently make it to spring.
What an awesome perspective to have around this time of year! I agree, the pressures to do more and be more can be overwhelming especially at the start of a new year – definitely a timely reminder to take a step back and slow down. The image you chose is also an interesting way to reflect on this concept. I’ll admit when I first looked at it, I didn’t understand the connection between a crumpled piece of paper and the music being played. It was only when I looked again that I saw the fox curled up!
For attribution purposes, I would just recommend adding hyperlinks to the source of the original image/author if available – same for the CC license like you did for the audio clip. Visually I like hyperlinks as opposed to URL links so I posted a tip in the peer support discussion on how to do this if you’re interested 🙂
Hi Heather! This is an interesting combination, and I also, like Linnea, did not notice the fox hidden in the crumpled paper right away. The crumpled paper is how I feel before I’ve had a chance to relax over winter break. I agree with you that this time of year should be more restful and restorative than it has come to be in our go-go-go society. I like your phrase “gently make it to spring”, and your chosen music goes along with that sentiment.
Hello Heather,
Your reflection on the importance of giving our bodies and minds more grace during the winter season is incredibly meaningful. In a world that often emphasizes constant productivity and progress, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of rest, stillness, and reflection. The image you shared, “A Winters Rest,” beautifully captures the contrast between the peacefulness of rest and the harshness of the winter environment. It serves as a powerful reminder that we don’t need to rush into the new year, but rather embrace the unique purpose and rhythm of each season. The accompanying audio, “For A Better Day,” adds a poignant layer to this contemplation. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking perspective and encouraging us to find balance and gentleness as we navigate the transitions of life.
FYI, I earlier used an audio from Sound Cloud too, but after getting with Dr. Barrager, she advised to not use any audio from Sound Cloud due to copyright. I went ahead and used cc mixer.
Thank you
Blocked? Trashed draft? Disregard or frustration. That is a nice piece of paper. It has weight to it, so the waste stings more than a lighter kind of paper. The link to the author and photo isn’t live so did Yureiko share a description? I know sometimes they do/others not so much, but I am so curious about that. I’ve had moments where crumpled pages are across the room, so I felt a deep connection with the image. It represents the disruption for you? I can see that. Interesting context.
The audio – super upbeat and recharging. It contrasts well with the desire to rest, and the prohibition implemented by the harshness of cold weather. In isolation, I do not get either of those meanings from the photo or the audio. It’s only when I have the context you’ve shared that I can clearly see how well they fit. Audio selection seems to be super important in this way. How are we conveying meaning that is obvious? I noticed that I needed context when looking at the other images/audio – without a frame of reference, I was lost at times but then it clicked once I was given guidance. Making sure everyone views/feels the same thing is a little harder than I thought.