In order not to give up, I seek out of pure self-preservation a counterbalance, something to relate to that is hopefully accessible and sustainable. Then I have a trick: I let myself be carried away. Carried away is a simple remedy that protects against dullness, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. Nothing gets better because I get depressed even if I can't solve all the problems in the world.

Rapture means “delight” or “excitement.” It is described as a feeling of awe that arises when we direct our attention to something greater than ourselves. Research shows that rapture is good for the immune system and reduces the amount of anti-inflammatory substances in the body. Rapture has also been shown to make us more generous, compassionate, and give us a sense of connection. Five minutes a day is enough – that alone is rapture.

This is where nature comes into the picture. An inexhaustible source of delight. Regardless of the weather, there is always something that reminds us of our smallness and at the same time what a powerful connection we are part of. Perspective and recovery. I look at the beauty of the bare branches of the trees against a gray sky. Birds that sing seemingly carefree. A starry night. Moonlight. The bare trees whose roots gather nutrition to be able to form new leaves in the spring. Red rose hips that remain on their branches. The lapping of the waves against the shore. That life is constantly continuing and changing. Nature whose mere existence is a prerequisite for our lives. I pick up a pine branch that has blown to the ground and study it. Chew on a few needles.

Now in winter, the vitamin C content in the needles is at its highest, protecting the tree from the cold. Lucky for us who can take advantage of it, for example by making a strengthening pine drink as people in the northern hemisphere have done for centuries. I cook a beautiful orange soup from the rose hips that brightens a gray January morning with late summer flavors. For a whole year, the rose bush has striven to produce the rose hips I pick: formed buds, bloomed into delicate roses, pollinated and finally formed the tasty fruit that will ensure the bush's reproduction. Fascinating, isn't it? Nature gives and gives, providing us with energy, beauty, healing power and togetherness. Think about it, what fascinates you? A child's laughter? The feeling of a touch? The sound of rain against the window? A glimmer of light in a gray January sky? Just remembering such moments is enough to have a healing effect. Imagine that life can be so simple. Sometimes.

I wish you many enchanting moments in 2018 and here is a recipe for Talldricka:

Pine needle drink

Good as a table drink. Drink it hot or cold.

1 handful of pine needles

1 liter of water

Pour the water into a saucepan and add the pine needles. Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Lisen Sundgren

Psst... We just want to recommend aluminum-free deodorant , organic bath salts , organic body lotion and more from Care Of Gerd!