Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May is a reflective memoir about navigating the darker, more challenging seasons of life. May shares her personal experiences through essays that are gentle, uplifting and beautifully written in bite-size chunks perfect for reading before bed. The essays cover her experiences with illness, burnout, and emotional upheaval, encouraging readers to embrace rest, solitude, and stillness rather than resist them. Drawing inspiration from nature and cultural traditions, she reframes “winter” as a necessary, even sacred, time for renewal and growth. The book offers a gentle reminder that retreat is not weakness, but wisdom—and that spring always follows winter.
Join Kris Hickey, librarian and long-time member of our Balancing Owl community, as she guides you through this amazing book of essays. During the first gathering, you’ll create and decorate your journal to be used throughout the book club series. Each session will include discussion, guided meditation, and time for personal journaling and group sharing. Light refreshments will also be served.
Sunday, November 2: 2-4pm
September-November essays
Decorate Journal Cover
Sunday, January 11: 2-4pm
December-January essays
Sunday, February 22: 2-4pm
February-late March essays
Fee: $89 (includes all 3 sessions, journal supplies and refreshments). Students are asked to obtain the book and read relevant sections prior to each session. See book link below:
About Your Instructor: Kris Hickey is a librarian with nearly 20 years of experience recommending books to readers in public libraries. She joined Balancing Owl in 2018 and it led her on a journey of improved physical and mental health. She has a high interest in books and helping people live fulfilling lives. She hopes to bring what she’s learned to the Balancing Owl community.
To register for this event: https://balancingowlyoga.com/specialevents