Anja Murray: Looking deep into nature for understanding and comfort
Settling down somewhere cosy with a pile of good books is a silver lining to days when it's drizzling and dark early
The darker part of the year is here and this can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to maintaining regular connection with nature. Getting out for a decent ramble along woods, shorelines or in the uplands is a little less appealing than it is during the brighter, warmer months. Whether it's walking, canoeing, cycling, angling, or whatever your chosen favourite way to be in the outdoors is, getting motivated for a winter outing is just not as easy. Good preparation is needed, with full waterproofs and flasks of tea packed. Most of the time, the easier option is to rest up in the warmth of home during these winter months.
But just as clouds have silver linings, there are things we allow ourselves in this darker part of the year, such as sinking into the sofa with a good book — or even a pile of assorted reading — for the whole afternoon. Allocating extended reading time becomes utterly permissible when it's drizzling all day and dark from 4pm.
