Medicine of the Grouse © 2023 This ruffed grouse adapts well to its environment in shades of brown, black, gold, and white. It is a message of winter resilience: the power of observation and neutrality, and finding beauty in simplicity.
Staying in simplicity
Winter is a time of clarity and clearness. The complexity of summer – intense weather, rapid growth, vivid colours – does not reign over this time. It is a period of slowing down, deepening, and observing. And even as winter turns to spring, we are still caught in simplicity.
The photo that was chosen for this month was one of a ruffed grouse. They hold many messages of medicine under their feathers, especially of synchronicity, spirals, and rhythms. And as I was looking at this particular photo, another meaning came to me: staying in simplicity.
As I write earlier, winter is a time when the world is stark and clear. There are no hidden intricacies that create complication. No, everything is laid bare in front of us. There’s a gift in this lack of convolutions, too. We are complex beings, and we think complex thoughts. This is simply just the way we are.
But if we take time to slip out of that bustle and emerge into the quiet instead, we are becoming the grouse. Grouse have stunning feathers and a striking appearance, but they do not always heed it. They become observers instead, blending into their surroundings by becoming still and simple.
Seeing the simplicity in our world can change a person. I’m talking from personal experience. I know firsthand that human society is a fast-paced, intricate environment, and so too is nature, although much slower in its growth.
Beautiful Message thank you just what I neesded
Thank you so much, Alexis! I really appreciate your comment.